Documentation and Argument in Early China

Focusing on the Classic Shàngshu, this study reveals its traditions as a dynamic practice of thought-production, emphasizing the literary form of arguments within the text. It illustrates how various cultural communities adapted the "Shu" to reflect their historical perspectives and interests, particularly during the Warring States period. By examining how these texts enabled diverse groups to engage in political discourse and assert their ideas with ancient authority, the work contributes to the understanding of socio-political and philosophical transformations in Early China and beyond.