Gēngzhù 耕柱

A chapter of the Mòzǐ consisting largely of dialogues, anecdotes, and short exchanges between Mòzǐ and disciples, rulers, officials, and critics. Rather than defending a single doctrine, it illustrates Mohist reasoning in practice. Particularly notable is its frequent use of analogy and argumentative reversal, in which an opponent’s own commitments are turned against him. If the doctrinal chapters present Mohist theory, Gēngzhù shows Mohist argument at conversational speed.