On Rectifying Names

This essay attempted to clarify the relationship between name (concept) and reality (entity) and demonstrate the meaning in the rectification of names. Master Xun believed that, rather than intrinsically appropriate, the names of things are conventional and are not established till contact is made with the objects of perception, and testing and verification are carried out in the mind so that both similarities and differences are available as the foundation on which judgments are made. For things whose names and realities are uncertain, old names may be kept or new names may be formulated according to objective changes. The key point in naming lies in investigating the content of things and determine the rules of designation. Names are definite and the realities to which they apply can be identified. When the basic principles of naming are observed, it will be possible to make clear the distinction between noble and base and discriminate between things that are different. As a result, there will be no trouble in making oneself understood or failure in any other undertakings.