This core Mohist logic text defines four reasoning modes and semantic rules. It categorizes four proposition forms and resolves the “killing robbers is not killing people” paradox to justify its universal love doctrine.
Chapter 43: Canons and Explanations (II) “Zhi” (Refutation): The opponent affirms this as right and argues for it; I affirm it as wrong and cast doubt on it. “Four-footed beasts” and “living birds” are universal terms covering all things, differing only in scope. If “this is right” is necessary, then all are the same.…
Chapter 40: Canons – Part I Cause (Gu): That which is obtained before something is accomplished.Rest (Zhi): Persistence over time.Part (Ti): That which is divided from a whole (Jian).Necessity (Bi): That which does not cease.Cognition (Zhi): The innate material capacity to know.Level (Ping): Having the same height.Deliberation (Lv): The act of seeking.Equal Length (Tong…