在當代學科範疇的分類下，經學與文學大抵被界定成兩門各有脈絡、別具系統的學科。然若從貼近古代情狀的視角觀察，從前儒者的經典詮釋活動，也可能透過類同文藝批評的型態發生，特別是在向以藝術性見稱的《詩經》身上。朱熹（ 1130-1200）的《詩集傳》或者就是個典型案例。透過悉心體會，並具質感地再現《詩集傳》展演的詩歌詮釋語境，我們發現在講說詩旨之際，朱熹演出了某種具親切引領特質的讀詩進路：藉著富想像力的詩境勾勒以及富感染力的辭氣諷詠，朱熹將《詩集傳》的預定讀者，也就是那些希聖希賢的後進，漸次引入詩人吟詠當下的領略感動裡，讓他們可能在美的品味中涵養出厚實崇高的心性；並在風雅頌的依序誦讀中，一路體驗修道進德的斑斑過程。這個發生在宋代的《詩經》詮釋事件，向我們揭示了一條藉藝術感悟體察生命美善境界的修持進路；這或者正是傳統經學活動的某種樣態，也可視作是中國文藝批評的另種固有範式。

Under the contemporary system of subject classification, jingxue經學 and wenxue文學 are recognized as two branches of learning each with their own systems and sequences of development. The act of interpreting the Classics as performed by Confucian scholars in ancient times may have resembled a form of literary criticism, particularly in the case of the Shijing詩經 , which was famed for its artistry. Shi ji zhuan詩集傳 , a work by Zhu Xi朱熹 (1130-1200), is perhaps a typical example of this. Through close reading and realistic re-creation of the interpretive context of the poetry in the Shi ji zhuan, we find that Zhu Xi takes a familiar avenue of approach to explicating the poems of the Shijing. His sketches of imaginative poetic vision and the affective rhythm of his writing gradually draws in his target readers, students aspiring Confucian ideals, moving and inspiring them; savoring beauty in this way nourishes their sense of nobility and sincerity. By reciting the Songs, Elegies and Hymns in order, they are engaged in a gradual process of establishing and developing a moral disposition. This example of Song dynasty Shijing hermeneutics shows us a way to observe and experience life’s beauty and goodness through appreciating art; indeed, this was perhaps an aspect of traditional study of the Classics, and can also be seen as a typical mode of Chinese literary criticism.