Abstract:
In this paper we take a look at some key aspects of ancient Chinese views on language and argumentation, particularly those of the Confucians and the Mohists. We advocate the use of light-weight logical models of some key concepts, without importing the full ma- chinery of modern logical calculi. Our topics include: discrimination and response, correct naming in terms of appropriate responses, and the extension of kinds via standards and criteria. We also make a first attempt at representing the practice of ancient argumentation using games for disputes about categorisation of objects in a Mohist spirit. We end by discussing the wider potential of game modeling for understanding the reasoning practices of ancient China.