| Description |
1 online resource (x, 202 pages) |
| Contents |
Fixing one's eyes on a model -- Relying on the propensity of things -- Goal or consequence -- Action or transformation -- The structure of opportunity -- Do nothing (with nothing left undone) -- Allow effects to come about -- From efficacy to efficiency -- The logic of manipulation -- Manipulation versus persuasion -- Water images -- In praise of facility |
| Summary |
In this highly insightful analysis of Western and Chinese concepts of efficacy, François Jullien subtly delves into the metaphysical preconceptions of the two civilizations to account for diverging patterns of action in warfare, politics, and diplomacy. He shows how Western and Chinese strategies work in several domains (the battlefield, for example) and analyzes two resulting acts of war. The Chinese strategist manipulates his own troops and the enemy to win a battle without waging war and to bring about victory effortlessly. Efficacity in China is thus conceived of in terms of transformation (as opposed to action) and manipulation, making it closer to what is understood as efficacy in the West. Jullien's brilliant interpretations of an array of recondite texts are key to understanding our own conceptions of action, time, and reality in this foray into the world of Chinese thought. In its clear and penetrating characterization of two contrasting views of reality from a heretofore unexplored perspective, A Treatise on Efficacy will be of central importance in the intellectual debate between East and West |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references |
| Notes |
Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (viewed December 21, 2020) |
| Subject |
Act (Philosophy)
|
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Philosophy, Chinese.
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Philosophy, Comparative.
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PHILOSOPHY -- Movements -- Humanism.
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Act (Philosophy)
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Philosophy, Chinese
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Philosophy, Comparative
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Chinese filosofie.
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Vergelijkende filosofie.
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| Form |
Electronic book
|
| ISBN |
9780824843144 |
|
0824843142 |
|
