PhD defence
A Comparative Study of Cosmology and its Dynamics in Zhang Zai and Max Scheler
- Y. Shi
- Date
- Wednesday 25 February 2026
- Time
- Address
-
Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden
Supervisor(s)
Summary
This dissertation investigates the problem of cosmic dynamics through a systematic comparative analysis of the Neo-Confucian philosopher Zhang Zai (1020–1077) and the German phenomenologist Max Scheler (1874–1928). Employing a methodological “bridge framework” grounded in intercultural hermeneutics, it places their respective cosmological accounts in dialogue in order to elucidate how differing conceptions of cosmic motion shape ethical orientation.
The analysis shows that Zhang Zai understands the cosmos as a self-generating and internally coherent process, maintained through the cyclical interaction and balance of polar forces. Cosmic order, on this view, is continuously renewed without appeal to a transcendent creator. Scheler’s late metaphysics, by contrast, conceives the world as a historical process of becoming, structured by an enduring tension between spirit and drive. This tension renders cosmic history open and future-directed, rather than closed or fully harmonized.
These divergent cosmologies lead to distinct ethical implications. Zhang Zai’s philosophy emphasizes self-cultivation as a practice of aligning oneself with an already meaningful cosmic order, while Scheler highlights the creative responsibility of the person to realize values within an unfinished world.
The dissertation argues that these positions do not converge on a unified solution but instead articulate two coherent and competing paradigms for grounding ethics in a dynamic understanding of reality. In this respect, the study contributes to contemporary discussions of disenchantment and ecological crisis by offering non-anthropocentric perspectives that reconsider human responsibility within an interconnected and meaningful cosmos.
PhD dissertations
Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.
Press enquiries (journalists only)
+31 (0)71 527 1521
nieuws@leidenuniv.nl
General information
Beadle's Office
pedel@bb.leidenuniv.nl
+31 71 527 7211