A Treatise on Efficacy: Between Western and Chinese Thinking
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.

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A Treatise on Efficacy: Between Western and Chinese Thinking
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.

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A Treatise on Efficacy: Between Western and Chinese Thinking

A Treatise on Efficacy: Between Western and Chinese Thinking

A Treatise on Efficacy: Between Western and Chinese Thinking

A Treatise on Efficacy: Between Western and Chinese Thinking

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Overview

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.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780824828301
Publisher: University of Hawaii Press, The
Publication date: 04/30/2004
Edition description: New Edition
Pages: 216
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

François Jullien is professor of Chinese studies in the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations, University of Paris VII.

Table of Contents

Prefacevii
1.Fixing One's Eyes on a Model1
2.Relying on the Propensity of Things15
3.Goal or Consequence32
4.Action or Transformation46
5.The Structure of Opportunity61
6.Do Nothing (with Nothing Left Undone)84
7.Allow Effects to Come About104
8.From Efficacy to Efficiency120
9.The Logic of Manipulation137
10.Manipulation versus Persuasion153
11.Water Images170
12.In Praise of Facility184
Glossary of Chinese Expressions199
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