The Song period was one of the periods in Chinese history when culture and technology flourished most greatly. One invention after another emerged, later reaching Europe and opening the way to the modern era.
The Establishment of Neo-Confucianism
During the Song period, Neo-Confucianism (Zhu Xi, 1130–1200) emerged as a new interpretation of Confucianism. It was a philosophical system that systematically explained the principle of the universe and human nature, and it adopted “investigating things and extending knowledge” (deeply examining things to gain knowledge) as its method of learning.
- Neo-Confucianism: The new Confucianism of the Song period. It regarded “principle” as the fundamental law of all things
- Zhu Xi's commentaries on the Four Books (Great Learning, Doctrine of the Mean, Analects, and Mencius) became the standard texts for the civil service examination
- It spread to Japan, Korea, and Vietnam and became the foundation of thought, education, and politics in East Asia
・Gunpowder: Discovered by alchemists during the Tang period, it came into full military and civilian use during the Song period as firearms, fire arrows, and firecrackers. It later reached Europe and transformed medieval knightly culture
・Compass (south-pointing needle): During the Song period, the directional properties of magnets were used in maritime navigation. It later made the Age of Exploration possible
・Movable-type printing: Bi Sheng invented ceramic movable type in the 11th century. He preceded Gutenberg by about 400 years and contributed to the mass production of books and the spread of knowledge
These inventions reached Europe through the Silk Road and the trade network of the Mongol Empire, laying the foundation for the Age of Exploration, the Reformation, and the Military Revolution.
Song Art
Ink wash painting, calligraphy, and poetic songs developed as part of scholar-official culture. Su Shi (Su Dongpo) was a leading Song scholar-official, excelling in poetry, prose, calligraphy, and painting. Ceramics (celadon and white porcelain) also became major exports in maritime trade.
Practice
- State the leading scholar of Song Neo-Confucianism (Song Learning) and the name of his school.
- State the name of the printing technology invented by Bi Sheng during the Song period.
- State one effect that the “Three Great Inventions” of the Song period had on later European history.