A study of Du Fan (1182-1245) = 杜範研究

Abstract

This dissertation aims to establish the reasons behind the growing power of Du Fan (1182-1245) during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Previous studies have shown that Du Fan's political ascendance owed much to his upright character and to the appreciation of his talent by Song Lizong (宋理宗). This research reveals that Du Fan met many literati and scholars—such as Liu Zai (劉宰), Wang Sui (王遂), and Wu Yong (吳泳)—in his hometown and later in Jintan (金壇). Establishing a strong interpersonal network, with his own inheritance of Zhu Xi's (朱熹) learning, Du Fan gradually developed closer ties with upright officials, an element overlooked in which previous studies. In addition, Du Fan was supported through his upbringing in a scholarly family. Du Fan's network of interpersonal relationships is also believed to be one of the main factors that made him a leading figure with a righteous and a Neo-Confucian background in the government.

A thorough investigation of the major editions of Du Fan's literary works, in particular the 1548 woodblock print edition, is another contribution of this study. This dissertation also examines the proses and poems of Du' s contemporaries, together with local chronicles and historical notes, to figure out his family background and interpersonal relationships. In this way, it investigates why Du Fan was recognized by his scholarly peers and students at the Imperial University. Du Fan was made the chief councilor by Lizong, and was, unprecedentedly, able to put his ambition into practice. This dissertation further explores this condition.

This study of Du Fan not only reveals the uncovered interconnected circles of Neo-Confucianism intellectuals, but also discusses how Du Fan and the righteous fellows responded to the changing times and implemented Confucian ideals in the political realm. This work provides promising directions for the future studies on the intellectual history of the Southern Song Dynasty.