Modern Social Science Research

This article aims to explore the key role played by the Jesuit missionary François Noël in Sino-Western cultural exchange, particularly in his translation practices of Confucian classics amidst the context of the Chinese Rites Controversy. Despite the papal decree that had banned Chinese rites, Noël persisted in constructing his understanding of the Chinese philosophical system through his translation work. He synthesized the original texts of the classics, Confucian commentaries, and perspectives from various cultural backgrounds, gradually forming a system of rites interpretation centered on ethics, which ultimately contributed to the emergence of his version of “Chinese philosophy.” This article focuses on his 1711 publication Six Classics of the Chinese Empire in Prague, analyzing the translations of the Doctrine of the Mean and Classic of Filial Piety to reveal his translation methods, cultural intentions, and cross-cultural adaptation strategies. It evaluates the potential impact of his work on the European Enlightenment and intellectual transformation. Noël’s translation activities not only facilitated the spread of Confucian thought in Europe but also provided a valuable perspective for future studies on the dialogue between Chinese and Western civilizations.

Francois Noël; Classical translation; Intercultural interaction; Doctrine of the Mean; Classic of Filial Piety