The <i>Zhou</i> Puzzle: A Peek Into Quantification in Mohist Logic

Abstract This article examines the usage of zhou 周 in the Book of Mozi 墨子 and its interpretations in Classical Chinese, arguing that zhou functions as a universal quantifier when placed before verb–object constructions. We contend that the concluding statement “ yi zhou er yi bu zhou ” 一周而一不周 clarifies the validity of the case “ shi er ran ” 是而然 and the invalidity of “ shi er bu ran ” 是而不然 by using zhou as a summary term referring to previous discussions. Our analysis of zhou as a universal quantifier and you 有 as an existential quantifier provides a foundation for employing the monotonicity reasoning approach to study mou 侔 reasoning. This insight may shed light on other reasoning patterns in Mohist logic and beyond.