The New Vision of Axiomatic Method and It’s Interpretation for The Analects of Confucius

How to objectively understand the Confucian classics represented by the Analects is an important issue that needs serious study in the Chinese academic circle and also an unavoidable problem in Eastern and Western communication. Is it possible to use an axiomatic method to establish an objectified system of propositions for the Analects and find a clarified logic system in the Confucian thought reflected in the Analects as in Spizona’s The Ethics? The axiomatic method is a mathematical and philosophical method, which is originally used in Euclid geometry. It is to deduce various meaningful propositions (or theorems) on the basis of a few definitions, basic assumptions and axioms, and they can in general form a deductive system. Clarified concepts and strict logic are the advantages of the axiomatic approach which help it gradually infiltrate into disciplines other than mathematics. By reviewing Euclid's Geometry and the axiomatic approach and their evolution, We expound the systematic construct of the axiomatic interpretation of the Analects, and adopt an axiomatic approach to establish a deductive system built upon the fundamentals of the Analects. That is, after giving some definitions and making some basic assumptions, we formulate some axioms, and prove the series of propositions contained in the Analects by reasoning. In this way, the logical system of Confucius’ thought implied in the Analects can be brought to light. It is concluded that the inherent logic and thoughts of Confucius can be systematized and there is a logic system in the Analects.