Chen Fuliang

Chen Fuliang (陳傅良) (1137–1203) was a Chinese historian, academician, and philosopher. He was known by the courtesy name Junju (君舉) and had a style name of Zhizhai Xiansheng (止齋先生). He was part of the Yongjia School of the early Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279).

As a direct disciple of Xue Jixuan and mentor to Ye Shi, he was influential in spreading the Yongjia learning. He focused on the restoration of North China and believed that institutional reform was essential to regain national power and recover lands taken by the Jurchen Jin. In his teachings, he emphasized history as a way to address current social issues rather than just for ethical development.

He also conducted extensive research on history and institutional evolution, which he offered unique ideas on military systems, tax reduction, land reforms, and government operations. His focus on institutional changes solidified his status in the Yongjia School and was his main contribution to the school of thought. He entered a state university and made acquaintance with the scholar Zhang Shi and writer and philosopher Lu Zuqian (1137–1181).

Governance Chen studied the Confucian Classics and history to develop a practical philosophy for his role as an administrator in the Southern Song dynasty. He was influenced by the ideas of the "human way" (ren dao) and "human affairs" (ren shi), which he believed should guide honest officials. He thought it was the government's duty to regain control of the Yellow River plain, an important area lost to the Jurchen Jin. To reclaim the north, the government needed to unite the "people's hearts" and ease their burdens, including reducing taxes. Chen supported the practical ideas of Chen Liang in a debate with the philosopher Zhu Xi about the moral responsibilities of rulers. (通世變) Lunzu (論祖), 4 volumes Aolun (奥論), 5 volumes Zhizhai wenji (止齋文集) collected writings which still exists in 52 volumes Military System of Past Dynasties, 8 volumes Mr. Yongjia's Eight Faces, 13 volumes

Chen also wrote articles for the imperial examinations.