Xu Ai

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Xu Ai (

. He was also a magistrate and writer.

Biography

Xu was born in Maoyan (馬堰/马堰),

was Yueren (曰仁), and artist's pseudonym was Hengshan (横山).

In the third year of

) there.

In the 11th year of Zhengde Era (1516), Xu went back to hometown for mothering; and in 1517 died of illness at the age of 31.

Philosophy

Xu was one of the earliest student of the philosopher Wang Yangming. He was considered as a royal, important member and the second generation of the Yangming School of Mind (陽明心學/阳明心学).

Wang Yangming proposed his thought of conscience and intuitive knowledge, but most people and

during his time didn't accept it. Xu mainly contributed to the further expatiation and the consummation of Wang's philosophy in this domain, and also further developed Wang's school of philosophy.

Xu recorded most of Wang's words (from both his daily living and teaching) and works, collected and recensing them, also printed and published these philosophical monographies. So Xu also played an important role in publicizing the philosophy in a popular style.

References

• Historic records:
  • History of Ming: Biography of Xu Ai
  • The Record of Teaching and Practising (《傳習錄》/《传习录》): Dialogues between Xu Ai and Wang Yangming
  • Academic Record of Ming Confucians (《明儒學案》/《明儒学案》; by Huang Zongxi): Biography of Xu Ai