Chinese Intellectual Thought in Early Qing Dynasty: The Contributions of Gu Yanwu

Abstract Seventeenth-century China was a period of profound upheaval and transformation, marked most prominently by the fall of the Ming Dynasty and the establishment of the Qing Dynasty in 1644, following the entry of Manchu troops into Beijing. This transition not only redefined the political landscape but also generated a deep cultural and moral crisis within Chinese society. The ascension of a foreign ruling class of Manchu origin was met with resistance and unease among the Han Chinese, who struggled to reconcile the loss of the Ming with the legitimacy of the new rulers. This era of uncertainty and disruption challenged long-standing intellectual and social norms, prompting a reevaluation of cultural identity, governance, and moral principles. Among these figures, Gu Yanwu (1613–1682) stands out as a pivotal thinker who sought to address the intellectual stagnation of his time. His critique of Neo-Confucianism was especially significant, as he rejected its overreliance on abstract metaphysical speculation, which he deemed detached from the practical realities of governance and everyday life. Instead, Gu Yanwu advocated for a return to classical Confucian principles, emphasizing empirical study, moral integrity, and practical application of knowledge. This article examines Gu Yanwu’s contributions to Chinese thought, leaving a lasting impact on the trajectory of Chinese scholarship and philosophy in the early Qing period.