Zhu Xi · Philosophy

Li and Qi: Principle and Vital Force

Zhu Xi&rsquo;s metaphysics: every existing thing is a coming-together of <em>li</em> (principle, the pattern a thing ought to follow) and <em>qi</em> (vital force, the stuff that carries it), and the <em>Supreme Ultimate</em> (taiji) is the totality of principle, whole in the cosmos and whole in each thing.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned that Zhu Xi analysed reality into li (principle) and qi (vital force): principle is the formless pattern and the source, vital force is the stuff within which things take shape, and the two are inseparable. The Supreme Ultimate is the sum of all principle, entire in each thing. Explain this in your own wor…

Leads to Aristotle.

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