The Master’s Many Sounds of Silence

Activity: Academic talk or presentation typesOral presentation

Description

We all know that on many occasions Confucius remained silent or remained silent on particular matters. This paper is a preliminary attempt to discuss the many forms of silence that have been ascribed to the Master up to the early Han. What kinds of silences (why is there no plural form of this word?) have been ascribed to Confucius? What expressions are used to refer to them (不語, 無言, 勿言, 不言, 不答, 不對, 隱, 諱, 辟, 闕文, 不書, 不記, 不志, 有闕, 失)? What are their respective functions? Are the many claims of the Master’s different kinds of silences compatible? Are they compatible with anecdotes and works related to him? How should we figure Confucius, the master of words, as a master of silences?
Period26 Aug 2022
Event titleTHE 24TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN
ASSOCIATION FOR CHINESE STUDIES (EACS)
Event typeConference
LocationOlomouc, Czech RepublicShow on map
Degree of RecognitionInternational