Definition
理学 has two major senses that are quite different. Historically, it refers to the School of Principle (Neo-Confucian idealist philosophy) that flourished during the Song and Ming dynasties, associated with thinkers like Zhu Xi. In modern usage, it means 'natural science' and appears most often in academic degree names such as 理学学士 (Bachelor of Science) or 理学博士 (Doctor of Science). The two senses are unrelated, so context is essential for understanding which meaning is intended.
n.
(historical) the School of Principle in Neo-Confucian philosophynatural science (especially in degree names)
Examples
- 。Sòng Míng lǐ xué duì Zhōngguó wénhuà yǐngxiǎng hěn dà.Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism had a great influence on Chinese culture.
- 理学。Tā huòdé le lǐ xué bóshì xuéwèi.He obtained a Doctor of Science degree.
- 理学、。lǐ xué bāokuò wùlǐ, huàxué děng xuékē.Natural science includes physics, chemistry, and other subjects.
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