Matteo Ricciâs Tianzhu shiyi: A Case for Including Dialectic in Comparative Rhetoric

Roberto S. Leon

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Chapter 19 Matteo Ricciâs Tianzhu shiyi: A Case for Including Dialectic in Comparative Rhetoric

In: Jesuit Rhetoric across Space and Time

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Roberto S. Leon

Roberto S. Leon
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 427â447

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004744516_021

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Abstract

In this chapter, I describe how Matteo Ricci, S.J. (1552â1610) directly discusses and engages with written and oral Chinese arts of discourse. Using Ricciâs disputation Tianzhu shiyi (The True Meaning of the Lord of Heaven) and his journal Della entrata della Compagnia di GiesÃ¹ e ChristianitÃ nella Cina (On the Entrance of the Society of Jesus and Christianity into China), I argue that Ricciâs understanding of rhetoric and dialectic is not only in line with Jesuit approaches more generally, but also implicitly and explicitly recognizes the Chinese arts of discourse. I begin by introducing Tianzhu shiyi as a mixed-genre text which draws on both rhetoric and dialectic. I then situate this text relative to Jesuit contributions to integrating rhetoric and dialectic, emphasizing the importance of the rhetorical principle of decorum, and Christianizing of the arts of discourse. As I do so, I also highlight ways in which Ricci recognized and interacted with the Chinese arts of discourse through the exchanges that became Tianzhu shiyi and consider how this case can enrich the study of Jesuit comparative rhetoric.

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Jesuit Rhetoric across Space and Time

Local and Global Perspectives

Series:Â Jesuit Studies, Volume: 49

Cover Jesuit Rhetoric across Space and Time

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004744516

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 06 Jan 2026

Subjects
- History
  - Early Modern History

Front Matter

Part 1 Rhetorical Theory and Education

Part 2 Jesuit Rhetoric in Practice: Esthetics, Politics and Theology

Part 3 Influences, Dialogues, and Missions

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Chapter 19 Matteo Ricciâs Tianzhu shiyi: A Case for Including Dialectic in Comparative Rhetoric

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Jesuit Rhetoric across Space and Time

Local and Global Perspectives

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Chapter 19 Matteo Ricciâs Tianzhu shiyi: A Case for Including Dialectic in Comparative Rhetoric