| Abstract |
As a unique fashion in the Middle Ages, empty talk offered the best opportunities for Wei-Jin celebrities and literati to present their talents. Empty talk was not only a symbol for them but also a stepping stone to seek an official position or get promotion. Indeed, empty talk had an impact on then philosophy, literature and aesthetics, in a detailed presentation of Wei-Jin style. Tang Yiming’s Wei-Jin Empty Talk introduced Wei-Jin empty talk in an independent and comprehensive manner. The reason why it was independent was the author dealt with empty talk as an independent historical phenomenon instead of a mix of Wei-Jin thought, metaphysics, political or social factors, which was held by previous researchers. Moreover, the book was comprehensive because it was the first-ever analysis of empty talk from two perspectives: longitudinally and cross-sectionally. This book discussed the origin, development and transformation of empty talk longitudinally, and at the same time explored its content and forms cross-sectionally. This paper is divided into the following chapters. Chapter one is the introduction. Chapter two is the creative ideas of Wei-Jin Empty Talk. Chapter three is open questions for Wei-Jin Empty Talk. Chapter four is the conclusion. |
