Jin Yuelin’s Ontology: Perspectives on the Problem of Induction

Jin Yuelin (1895-1984) was a leading philosopher in Republican-era China, yet he remains virtually unknown in the West. His major publications include a textbook on logic (Luoji), an epistemology (Zhishilun) and an ontology (Lun dao). Like many other Chinese intellectuals of his time, he was greatly influenced by Western ideas and terms. Most importantly, he considered the problem of induction, which was central to his thought, from the perspectives of epistemology and ontology. In his response to this problem, Jin employed terms drawn from Chinese tradition, as well as neologisms, thus creating a unique philosophy of process. This work focuses on Jin’s ontological response to the problem of induction, and also provides a summary of his epistemological response.