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  • Published: 2 January 2014
  • ISBN: 9780141392103
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 512
  • RRP: $27.99

The Book of Master Mo




A key work of ancient Chinese philosophy is brought back to life in Ian Johnston's compelling, definitive translation

Very little is known about Master Mo, or the school he founded. However, the book containing his philosphical ideas has survived centuries of neglect and is today recognised as a fundamental work of ancient Chinese philosophy. The book contains sections explaining the ten key doctrines of Mohism; lively dialogues between Master Mo and his followers; discussion of ancient warfare; and an extraordinary series of chapters that include the first examples of logic, dialectics and epistemology in Chinese philosophy. The ideas discussed in The Book of Master Mo - ethics, anti-imperalism, and a political hierarchy based on merit - remain as relevant as ever, and the work is vital to understanding ancient Chinese philosophy.

  • Published: 2 January 2014
  • ISBN: 9780141392103
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 512
  • RRP: $27.99

Other books in the series

On Sparta
Love
Annals
Military Dispatches

About the author

Mo Zi

Mo Zi (470–390 BC) was one of the most influential of classical Chinese philosophers.

Praise for The Book of Master Mo

A landmark endeavour

Asia Times

A magnificent and valuable achievement

Journal of Chinese Studies

Eminently readable and at the same time remarkably accurate...Johnston's work will be the standard for a long time

China Review International

Compelling and engaging reading...while at the same time preserving the diction and rhetorical style of the original Chinese

New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies