Huang's book analyzes the major Neo-Confucian philosophers from the eleventh to the sixteenth centuries. Focusing on metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical philosophical issues, this study presents the historical development of the Neo-Confucian school, an outgrowth of ancient Confucianism, and characterizes its thought, background, and influence. Key concepts--for example DEGREESUtai-ji (supreme ultimate), DEGREESUxin (mind), and DEGREESUren (humanity)--as interpreted by each thinker are discussed in detail. Also examined are the two major schools that developed during...