The Way Turning Inward: An Examination of the "New Learning" Usage of Daoxue in Northern Song China

This article examines the usage of the term daoxue 道學 by "New Learning" 新學 scholars in Northern Song China. It emphasizes the role played by New Learning scholars, particularly Wang Anshi 王安石 (1021–1086) and his disciples, in developing a philosophical understanding of the rubric "daoxue" as a way of learning by self-cultivation and a learning of the Heavenly Way. Concerning the early history of daoxue, the New Learning scholars served as important brokers in the transition from the Daoist and Buddhist usage of daoxue to the "orthodox" version of the Daoxue tradition established by Cheng Yi 程頤 (1033–1107) and Zhu Xi 朱熹 (1130–1200).