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Xunzi as a Semantic Inferentialist: Zhengmin, Bian-Shuo and Dao-Li

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Abstract

This essay argues that the idea of name-rectification (zheng ming 正名) in the Xunzi can be properly reconstructed as revealing a normative pragmatic semantic theme that linguistic contents embody, and are embedded in, the normative, justificatory network, or pattern, of dao li 道理 (proper routes/patterns of norm) which, in turn, is constituted and manifested by social inferential justificatory practices of bian shuo 辯說 (dialectical justification/explanation).

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  1. Philosophy Department, National Chengchi University, NO.64, Sec.2, Zhinan Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City, 11605, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Chung-I Lin

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Lin, CI. Xunzi as a Semantic Inferentialist: Zhengmin, Bian-Shuo and Dao-Li . Dao 10, 311–340 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11712-011-9228-z

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