academic predecessor; scholars of the past; senior scholar
Refers to scholars who came before, especially in an academic lineage or tradition. Often used in formal or written contexts. Contrasts with 後学 (こうがく, later scholars).
See also: 後学
Based on the research of earlier scholars, I proposed a new theory.
I pay my respects to the senior scholars in this field.
Compound of 先 (せん, previous, earlier) and 学 (がく, learning, scholarship). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally used to refer to earlier scholars.