Confucianism Books

Book SynopsisThroughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.Perhaps the most widely read thinker of all time, Confucius transformed Chinese philosophy with his belief that the greatest goal in life was pursuit of ''The Way'': a search for virtue not as a means to rewards in this world or the next, but as the pinnacle of human existence.

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Book SynopsisTo understand China, it is essential to understand Confucianism. First formulated in the sixth century BCE, the teachings of Confucius would come to dominate Chinese society, politics, economics, and ethics. In this Very Short Introduction, Daniel K. Gardner explores the major philosophical ideas of the Confucian tradition, showing their profound impact on state ideology and imperial government, the civil service examination system, domestic life, and social relations over the course of twenty-six centuries. Gardner focuses on two of the Sage''s most crucial philosophical problems-what makes for a good person, and what constitutes good government-and demonstrates the enduring significance of these questions today. This volume shows the influence of the Sage''s teachings over the course of Chinese history--on state ideology, the civil service examination system, imperial government, the family, and social relations--and the fate of Confucianism in China in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as China developed alongside a modernizing West and Japan. Some Chinese intellectuals attempted to reform the Confucian tradition to address new needs; others argued for jettisoning it altogether in favor of Western ideas and technology; still others condemned it angrily, arguing that Confucius and his legacy were responsible for China''s feudal, ''''backward'''' conditions in the twentieth century and launching campaigns to eradicate its influences. Yet Chinese continue to turn to the teachings of Confucianism for guidance in their daily lives. In addition to a survey of the philosophy and history of Confucianism, Gardner offers an examination of the resurgence of Confucianism in China today, and explores what such a revival means for the Chinese government and the Chinese people.Trade Review"There's a helpful emphasis on moral responsibilities of elders and rulers to do their job well..." -Christian Perring, Dowling College, MetapsychologyTable of ContentsList of Illustrations ; 1. Confucius (551-479 BC) ; 2. The Individual and Self-Cultivation in the Teachings of Confucius ; 3. Government in Confucian Teachings ; 4. Variety Within Early Confucianism ; 5. The Reorientation of the Confucian Tradition after 1000 AD: The Teachings of Neo-Confucianism ; 6. Confucianism in Practice ; References ; Further Reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisA wonderfully enjoyable storehouse of ancient Chinese history and legends, which also has an important role in understanding 21st-century China''And remember: Heaven''s blessing will cease forever if there''s despair and poverty in your lands''The Most Venerable Book (also known as The Book of History) is one of the Five Classics, a key work of Chinese literature which preserves some of the most ancient and dramatic chronicles of the history, both real and mythological, of the Chinese state. For many centuries it was a central work for anyone wishing to work for the Imperial administration, preserving as it does a fascinating mixture of key Confucian concepts as well as page after page of heroes, benevolent rulers, sagacious ministers, and struggles against flood, corruption and vicious, despotic rulers. The First Emperor tried in 213 BC to have all copies of the book destroyed because of its subversive implication that ''the Mandate of HeTrade ReviewThe text is alive with the deeds and misdeeds of Chinese rulers, some told in graphic and gory detail . . . Palmer's introduction is witty and eschews any sign of academic-speak . . . There has been a revival in interest in China in Confucian ethics in recent years as people search for moral points of reference . . . The Shang Shu is part of this, and Martin Palmer has presented the English reading audience with an excellent route to an understanding of these ideas * China Daily - European Weekly *

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Book SynopsisFew individuals have shaped their country's civilization more profoundly than Master Kong (Confucius, 551-479 BC). Compulsory reading in the late Imperial period for all who wished to enter the Civil Service or Government, his sayings and those of his disciples form the foundation of a distinct social, ethical, and intellectual system. They have retained their freshness and vigour throughout the two and a half millennia of their currency, and are still admired evenin today's China.This lively new translation with clear explanatory notes by one of the foremost scholars of classical Chinese provides the ideal introduction to the Analects for readers who have no previous knowledge of the Chinese language and philosophical traditions.

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Book SynopsisThe Master said, ''Learning without thought is useless. Thought without learning is dangerous.'' The Analects are a fascinating anthology of the words and ideas of Confucius, gathered by his loyal disciples. They espouse the importance of education for moral development and celebrate the qualities of sincerity, piety, and virtue. In these pivotal writings, human behaviour was put under the microscope for the first time. Confucius provides a moral code by which each one of us should live based on ideals of responsibility, respect, kindness, and honesty - qualities as relevant and sought-after today as they were 2,500 years ago. His principles continue to shape Eastern philosophy, politics, and culture.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Arcturus Classics series brings together high-quality paperback editions of classics works, presented with contemporary graphic cover designs. Together they make a wonderful collection which is perfect for any home library.

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Book SynopsisThis is the first complete, one-volume English translation of the ancient Chinese text Xunzi, one of the most extensive, sophisticated, and elegant works in the tradition of Confucian thought. Through essays, poetry, dialogues, and anecdotes, the Xunzi presents a more systematic vision of the Confucian ideal than the fragmented sayings of ConfuciusTrade Review"This is a long-awaited translation, and I envisage that it will become a standard of scholarship and an invaluable source to which both specialists and non-specialists will be indebted."--Winnie Sung, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews "Eric Hutton's new translation of this rich and multifaceted text is ... a truly valuable gateway for introducing newcomers in the field of Chinese and comparative philosophy, as well as more advanced students and scholars, to the philosophy of Xunzi."--Ori Tavor, Dao: A Journal of Comparative Philosophy "The decision by Eric Hutton to translate the verse sections as poetry means that this book can be appreciated not only as an important work of early Confucian thought, but also as a literary text."--Olivia Milburn, Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society "Hutton's work is an improvement over that of Knoblock, as well as that of Dubs and Watson. It is an enormous task to translate from beginning to end a text as difficult as the Xunzi. We should be grateful to Hutton for undertaking it and for devoting so much hard work to completing it."--Jeffrey Riegel, Journal of Chinese StudiesTable of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Introduction xi A Traditional Timeline of Early Chinese History xxxi Chapter 1: An Exhortation to Learning 1 Chapter 2: Cultivating Oneself 9 Chapter 3: Nothing Improper 16 Chapter 4: On Honor and Disgrace 23 Chapter 5: Against Physiognomy 32 Chapter 6: Against the Twelve Masters 40 Chapter 7: On Confucius 47 Chapter 8: The Achievements of the Ru 52 Chapter 9: The Rule of a True King 68 Chapter 10: Enriching the State 83 Chapter 11: The True King and the Hegemon 99 Chapter 12: The Way to Be a Lord 117 Chapter 13: The Way to Be a Minister 133 Chapter 14: On Attracting Men of Worth 141 Chapter 15: A Debate on Military Affairs 145 Chapter 16: The Strong State 163 Chapter 17: Discourse on Heaven 175 Chapter 18: Correct Judgments 183 Chapter 19: Discourse on Ritual 201 Chapter 20: Discourse on Music 218 Chapter 21: Undoing Fixation 224 Chapter 22: Correct Naming 236 Chapter 23: Human Nature Is Bad 248 Chapter 24: The Gentleman 258 Chapter 25: Working Songs 262 Chapter 26: Fu 277 Chapter 27: The Grand Digest 288 Chapter 28: The Right-Hand Vessel 318 Chapter 29: The Way to Be a Son 325 Chapter 30: The Proper Model and Proper Conduct 330 Chapter 31: Duke Ai 333 Chapter 32: Yao Asked 339 Appendix 1: Important Terms and Names 344 Appendix 2: Cross-Reference List 347 Textual Notes 359 Bibliography 385 Index 387

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Book SynopsisDiscussion of Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun) and contemporary texts of ancient China form the bedrock of modern Chinese medicine practice, yet these classic texts contain many concepts that are either hard to understand or confusing. Based on over thirty years' medical practice, and study of the texts, this book explains the concepts involved so that the clinical applications of the ancient texts can be better understood and put into practice. The author looks at the larger context of ancient Chinese culture and philosophy in terms of theoretical knowledge, scholarly approach, and mindset in order to explain the basis for the medical texts. He also discusses the work of later Chinese medical scholars in elucidating the texts. He then goes on to look at more specific issues, such as the six conformations, zang-fu organ theory, the theory of qi and blood, the theory of qi transformation, and how these are understood in the ancient texts. He also discusses shao yang and tai yang theory; the element of time, and its place in understanding six conformations diseases.This remarkable work of scholarship will clarify many questions about the interpretation of the ancient texts for modern use, and will find a place on the bookshelf of every practitioner of Chinese medicine, as well as on those of scholars of Chinese medicine.Trade ReviewLiu has excavated important historical, sociological and lineal knowledge about the development of Shang Han Lun and other important ancient texts. A scholarly and critical analysis rises from the pages in a way which is inspiring... The depth of insight provided here will enhance the skills of any serious practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine, and especially those who follow the great saint of medicine, Zhang Zhong-Jing. -- William Morris, PhD, Co-author of Li Shi-zhen Pulse Studies: An Illustrated GuideTo hold an informed position... requires that we have a proper overview of the complexities of scholarly literature over the past thousand years, the insiders understanding of Shanghan theory that professor Guohui Liu provides here. So, by explicating the story for us, and presenting his personal scholarly interpretation, he allows us to more properly understand the issues. Liu is our forester offering guidance through the dense Shanghan literature forest. -- from the foreword by Charles Buck, practitioner and teacher in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, and Chair, British Acupuncture CouncilTable of ContentsForeword. Preface. 1. Concept of Shang Han. 2. Brief Introduction for Zhang Ji and His Works. 3. Explore Culture Background for Writing Discussion of Cold Damage. 4. School of Cold Damage and School of Studying Discussion of Cold Damage. 5. Six Conformations, Six Conformations Diseases and Six Conformations Differentiation. 6. The Theory of Qi Transformation in Six Conformations in Discussion of Cold Damage. 7. Half Exterior and Half Interior, Harmony and Shao Yang. 8. The Nutritive Qi, Defensive Qi, Tai Yang Qi and Their Treatments. 9. The Exploration of the Resolving Time for Diseases in Six Conformations. Bibliography. Appendix 1. Chinese Dynasties and Historical Periods. Appendix 2. Table of Authors. Index.

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Book SynopsisAs a living and evolving tradition, Confucianism has been continuously defined and redefined in response to the changing political and social context of China''s history. Extending this effort in reconstructing Confucianism, philosopher Chenyang Li critically analyzes and develops a series of core ideas that originated from classic Confucian texts and does so in the context of contemporary scholarly discourse. These core ideas include he (dynamic harmony), ren (care-centered virtue), li (ritual propriety), xiao (filial care), bie (gender equilibrium), you (friendship), shou (longevity), sheng (sagehood), ziyou (freedom), ping (equality), zheng (politics), and jiao (civic education). Li combines in-depth analysis of historical teachings with systematic deliberation on their contemporary significance, reflecting the current state of the field of research. Each chapter shows how seminal ideas in Confucianism were conceived and developed by ancient thinkers and how these ideas can be reconTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction: Progressive Confucianism I. Foundational Concepts Chapter 1: Dynamic Harmony Chapter 2: Care-Centered Virtue Chapter 3: Ritual as Cultural Grammar II. Self and Others Chapter 4: Filial Care Chapter 5: Differentiated Gender Equilibrium Chapter 6: Friendship Chapter 7: Virtuous Life and Longevity Interlude: Chapter 8: Can Sages be Wrong? III. Socio-Political Reconstructions Chapter 9: Freedom through Choosing Chapter 10: Two Forms of Equality Chapter 11: Kingliness without Kings Chapter 12: Education for Humanity References Index

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"An insightful guide to a mode of thinking becoming ever stronger in a China that has turned strongly against liberalism."---Rana Mitter, Financial Times"Sprawling and ambitious. . . . A great accomplishment."---Russell Arben Fox, The Review of Politics"An important contribution to contemporary Confucian political theory."---Sungmoon Kim, The Review of Politics

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Book SynopsisWith a new cover design, this complete edition of the Analects, which is made up of 20 books of brief passages from Confucius and his disciples, is presented with a new introduction and new editorial notes.  The Analects of Confucius has been one of the most widely read and studied books in China for the last 2,000 years, and continues to have a substantial influence on thought and values today. His words largely concern ethics, morality within the family, within marriage and within government, social relationships, justice and sincerity, valor and virtue. But whether you regard this as high philosophy or self-help for all the ages, whether your interest is in Chinese culture or leadership, whether it is spirituality or success that occupies your thoughts, Confucius has wise and accessible things to say about them all. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding and with a timeless design, Confucius: The Analects will appeal to anyone interested in philosophy, spirituality, and Chinese culture.

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Book SynopsisThis volume contains translations, by a range of leading scholars, focusing on core themes in the philosophy of Zhu Xi (1130-1200), one of the most influential Chinese thinkers of the later Confucian tradition. It includes an Introduction, a chronology of important events, and a list of key terms.Trade ReviewThis volume offers high-quality, sophisticated translations of important passages from Zhuzi Quanshu (Complete Works of Zhu Xi) and other sources that represent Zhu's philosophical, ethical, political, and social reflections. Thanks to these translations, both students and academic researchers can now access a wealth of information from Zhu Xi's broad spectrum of core concerns. * Philip J. Ivanhoe, Journal of Chinese Philosophy *The annotated translations crafted by some of the best of their art are of sophisticated quality ... a truly stimulating collection. * Lukas Pokorny, Religious Studies Review *Table of ContentsPreface Conventions Acknowledgments About the Translators Introduction by Philip J. Ivanhoe Chronology of Important Events in Zhu Xi's Life Chapter One: Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Ethics by Philip J. Ivanhoe Chapter Two: Moral Psychology and Cultivating the Self by Curie Virág Chapter Three: Politics and Government by Justin Tiwald Chapter Four: Poetry, Literature, Textual Study, and Hermeneutics by On-cho Ng Chapter Five: Social Conditions of His Time by Beverly Bossler Chapter Six: Heaven, Ghosts and Spirits, and Ritual by Hoyt Tillman Chapter Seven: Criticisms of Buddhism, Daoism, and the Learning of the Heart-mind by Ellen Neskar and Ari Borrell Chapter Eight: Science and Natural Philosophy by Yung Sik Kim Chapter Nine: Zhu Xi's Commentarial Work: Abiding in the Mean and the Constant by Daniel Gardner Key Terms of Art Index

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Book SynopsisLooks at the Daoist Zhuangzi''s critique of Confucianism.The Daoist Zhuangzi has often been read as a mystical philosopher. But there is another tradition, beginning with the Han dynasty historian Sima Qian, which sees him as a critic of the Confucians. Kim-chong Chong analyzes the Inner Chapters of the Zhuangzi, demonstrating how Zhuangzi criticized the pre-Qin Confucians through metaphorical inversion and parody. This is indicated by the subtitle, "Blinded by the Human," which is an inversion of the Confucian philosopher Xunzi''s remark that Zhuangzi was "blinded by heaven and did not know the human." Chong compares Zhuangzi''s Daoist thought to Confucianism, as exemplified by Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi. By analyzing and comparing the different implications of concepts such as "heaven," "heart-mind," and "transformation," Chong shows how Zhuangzi can be said to provide the resources for a more pluralistic and liberal philosophy than the Confucians.

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Book SynopsisOffers three neo-Confucian understandings of broadening the Way as broadening oneself, through an ongoing process of removing self-boundaries.Persons Emerging explores the renewed idea of the Confucian person in the eleventh-century philosophies of Zhou Dunyi, Shao Yong, and Zhang Zai. Galia Patt-Shamir discusses their responses to the Confucian challenge that the Way, as perfection, can be broadened by the person who travels it. Suggesting that the three neo-Confucian philosophers undertake the classical Confucian task of "broadening the way," each proposes to deal with it from a different angle: Zhou Dunyi offers a metaphysical emerging out of the infinitude-finitude boundary, Shao Yong emerges out of the epistemological boundary between in and out, and Zhang Zai offers a pragmatic emerging out of the boundary between life and death.Through the lens of these three Song-period China philosophers, the idea of "transcending self-boundaries" places neo-Confucian philosophies within the global philosophical context. Patt-Shamir questions the Confucian notions of person, Way, and how they relate to human flourishing to highlight how the emergence of personhood demands transcending metaphysical, epistemological, and moral self-boundaries.

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Book SynopsisAddresses the question of China''s rise and what it portends for the future.The Future of China''s Past examines how China''s traditional culture is being reinvented and manipulated for political purposes. Like no time before in its recent history, and certainly at no time in the history of the People''s Republic, China is being shaped in terms of its past, but which past-Confucianism, Legalism, Daoism, Buddhism-or combination of pasts is being held up as the model? Given its growing economic, political, and cultural significance, it is incumbent upon us to take China''s rise seriously, yet perspectives involving modern and contemporary geopolitical and intrastate dynamics are insufficient, on their own, for understanding China''s rise, and the same holds true for economic analyses, however pertinent. Instead, this book looks at current engagements with models of China''s past, introducing the four traditional lenses of Chinese thought and reflecting on their potential relevance for China''s-and the world''s-future.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This book gives a clear, systematic and detailed exposition of the thought of the Chinese Buddhist monk Qisong (1007-1072), which serves as a bridge to communicate between Chan Buddhism and Confucianism in the early Song dynasty of China. The author presents a vivid interpretation of Qisong's thought through a very detailed textual analysis of his works and a comparison between Qisong's theoretical system and that of the great Song Neo-Confucian Zhu Xi who lived about a century later. There is no doubt that Qisong's thought represents a significant mode of synthesis of Chinese Buddhist and Confucian theories, and should assume a position in the intellectual history of China. To me, this book successfully demonstrates the Chan Buddhist thought of Qisong inspired and stimulated the Neo-Confucian philosophical awareness of the metaphysical insight latent in the Confucian classics and in turn contributed to the rise and flourish of Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism."—Simon Man Ho Wong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology"Although the great intellectual traditions of Buddhism and Confucianism existed alongside each other in a complex manner through several centuries of Chinese history, truly sophisticated attempts at mutual intellectual understanding between them were almost nonexistent for most of this period. It was not until the Song dynasty when the necessary impetus and intellectual erudition manifested itself in the mind of the eminent Chan master Qisong (1007–1072). Qisong, who was also deeply conversant in the texts of Confucianism, brought the Buddhist-Confucian dialogue to a new philosophical level in his writings. In this book Diana Arghirescu has provided us with a rich annotated translation of some of Qisong's central works, along with a substantial introduction to their philosophical role. This book goes far in filling in a large gap in our understanding of Song intellectual history."—A. Charles Muller, Musashino University"An impressive in-depth analysis. It introduces a prominent voice of early Song Buddhism. At the same time, the author is adding a crucial perspective on the formative stage of daoxue Confucianism in the 11th century."—Christian Soffel, Universität TrierTable of ContentsAcknowledgmentsAbbreviations and ConventionsIntroduction1. Chan Scholar-Monk Qisong on the Affinities and Differences Between Chan Buddhism and Confucianism in Inquiry into the Teachings (Yuanjiao )2. An Eleventh Century Confucianized and Cohesive Form of Chan: Qisong's Interpretation of "Teaching" (jiao ) in the Extensive Inquiry into the Teachings (Guang Yuanjiao )3. Qisong's Letter of Advice (Quanshu ): An Examination and Correction of the Deficiencies of Confucianism4. Qisong on Buddhist Filial Devotion (xiao ): A Buddhist-Confucian Comparative Perspective5. Heart-Mind (xin), Emotions (qing) and Nature-Emptiness (xing) in Qisong's Thought: A Song-Dynasty Interpretation of Cohesive Chan Practice Intended for Confucian Scholars6. Qisong on Universal Principle (li), Nothingness (wu) and the Encomium of the Platform Sutra (Tanjing zan): Answers avant la Lettre to Zhu Xi's Twelfth-Century Criticism7. Spiritual Discipline, Emotions and Behavior during the Song Dynasty: Zhu Xi's and Qisong's Commentaries on the Zhongyong in Comparative PerspectiveConclusionNotesBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This book gives a clear, systematic and detailed exposition of the thought of the Chinese Buddhist monk Qisong (1007-1072), which serves as a bridge to communicate between Chan Buddhism and Confucianism in the early Song dynasty of China. The author presents a vivid interpretation of Qisong's thought through a very detailed textual analysis of his works and a comparison between Qisong's theoretical system and that of the great Song Neo-Confucian Zhu Xi who lived about a century later. There is no doubt that Qisong's thought represents a significant mode of synthesis of Chinese Buddhist and Confucian theories, and should assume a position in the intellectual history of China. To me, this book successfully demonstrates the Chan Buddhist thought of Qisong inspired and stimulated the Neo-Confucian philosophical awareness of the metaphysical insight latent in the Confucian classics and in turn contributed to the rise and flourish of Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism."—Simon Man Ho Wong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology"Although the great intellectual traditions of Buddhism and Confucianism existed alongside each other in a complex manner through several centuries of Chinese history, truly sophisticated attempts at mutual intellectual understanding between them were almost nonexistent for most of this period. It was not until the Song dynasty when the necessary impetus and intellectual erudition manifested itself in the mind of the eminent Chan master Qisong (1007–1072). Qisong, who was also deeply conversant in the texts of Confucianism, brought the Buddhist-Confucian dialogue to a new philosophical level in his writings. In this book Diana Arghirescu has provided us with a rich annotated translation of some of Qisong's central works, along with a substantial introduction to their philosophical role. This book goes far in filling in a large gap in our understanding of Song intellectual history."—A. Charles Muller, Musashino University"An impressive in-depth analysis. It introduces a prominent voice of early Song Buddhism. At the same time, the author is adding a crucial perspective on the formative stage of daoxue Confucianism in the 11th century."—Christian Soffel, Universität TrierTable of ContentsAcknowledgmentsAbbreviations and ConventionsIntroduction1. Chan Scholar-Monk Qisong on the Affinities and Differences Between Chan Buddhism and Confucianism in Inquiry into the Teachings (Yuanjiao )2. An Eleventh Century Confucianized and Cohesive Form of Chan: Qisong's Interpretation of "Teaching" (jiao ) in the Extensive Inquiry into the Teachings (Guang Yuanjiao )3. Qisong's Letter of Advice (Quanshu ): An Examination and Correction of the Deficiencies of Confucianism4. Qisong on Buddhist Filial Devotion (xiao ): A Buddhist-Confucian Comparative Perspective5. Heart-Mind (xin), Emotions (qing) and Nature-Emptiness (xing) in Qisong's Thought: A Song-Dynasty Interpretation of Cohesive Chan Practice Intended for Confucian Scholars6. Qisong on Universal Principle (li), Nothingness (wu) and the Encomium of the Platform Sutra (Tanjing zan): Answers avant la Lettre to Zhu Xi's Twelfth-Century Criticism7. Spiritual Discipline, Emotions and Behavior during the Song Dynasty: Zhu Xi's and Qisong's Commentaries on the Zhongyong in Comparative PerspectiveConclusionNotesBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"An insightful guide to a mode of thinking becoming ever stronger in a China that has turned strongly against liberalism."---Rana Mitter, Financial Times"Sprawling and ambitious. . . . A great accomplishment."---Russell Arben Fox, The Review of Politics"An important contribution to contemporary Confucian political theory."---Sungmoon Kim, The Review of Politics

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Book SynopsisSolidly grounded in Chinese primary sources, Neo Confucianism: Metaphysics, Mind, and Morality engages the latest global scholarship to provide an innovative, rigorous, and clear articulation of neo-Confucianism and its application to Western philosophy.Trade Review"This book is clearly one of the greatest accomplishments among English Neo-Confucian philosophical studies in recent decades. JeeLoo Liu uses clear language and rigorous philosophical reasoning to analyze eight pivotal Neo-Confucian figures regarding three major areas: metaphysics, moral theory and moral practice. The book can be aptly used as both an introduction to Neo-Confucianism for beginners and a top reference for researchers, which is itself a rare achievement."Reviewed by Bin Song, Washington CollegeNotre Dame Philosophical Reviews, March 2019Table of ContentsPreface ix Acknowledgments xi Introduction 1 Part I Neo]Confucian Metaphysics: From Cosmology to Ontology 29 1 From Nothingness to Infinity: The Origin of Zhou Dunyi's Cosmology 31 2 The Basic Constituent of Things: Zhang Zai's Monist Theory of Qi 61 3 Cheng–Zhu School's Normative Realism: The Principle of the Universe 85 4 Wang Fuzhi's Theory of Principle Inherent in Qi 103 Part II Human Nature, Human Mind, and the Foundation of Human Morality 123 5 Zhu Xi's Internal Moral Realism: Human Nature Is Principle 125 6 Lu Xiangshan and Wang Yangming's Doctrine of Mind Is Principle 139 7 Wang Fuzhi's Theory of Daily Renewal of Human Nature and His Moral Psychology 157 Part III The Cultivation of Virtue, Moral Personality, and the Construction of a Moral World 181 8 Zhang Zai on Cultivating Moral Personality 183 9 The Cheng Brothers' Globaist Virtue Ethics and Virtue Epistemology 205 10 Zhu Xi's Methodology for Cultivating Sagehood: Moral Cognitivism and Ethical Rationalism 227 11 Wang Yangming';s Intuitionist Model of Innate Moral Sense and Moral Reflexivism 245 12 Constructing a Moral World: Wang Fuzhi's Social Sentimentalism 265 References 285 Index 301

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Book SynopsisIn Confucian Feminism Li-Hsiang Lisa Rosenlee expands the theoretical horizons of feminism by using characteristic Confucian terms, methods, and concerns to interrogate the issue of gender oppression and liberation.With its theoretical roots in the Confucian textual tradition, this is the first re-imagining of Confucianism that enriches, and is enriched by, feminism. Incorporating distinctive Confucian conceptual tools such as ren (benevolent governance), xiao (filial care), you (friendship), li (ritual), and datong (great community), Rosenlee creates an ethic of care that is feminist and Confucian. At the same time she confronts the issue of gender inequity in Confucian thought. Her hybrid feminist theory not only broadens the range of feminist understandings of the roots of gender oppression, but opens up what we believe constitutes gender liberation for women transnationally and transculturally.Here is a practical

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Book SynopsisWhile the resonance of Giambattista Vico’s hermeneutics for postcolonialism has long been recognised, a rupture has been perceived between his intercultural sensibility and the actual content of his philological investigations, which have often been criticised as being Eurocentric and philologically spurious. China is a case in point. In his magnum opus New Science, Vico portrays China as backward and philosophically primitive compared to Europe.In this first study dedicated to China in Vico’s thought, Daniel Canaris shows that scholars have been beguiled by Vico’s value judgements of China without considering the function of these value judgements in his theory of divine providence. This monograph illustrates that Vico's image of China is best appreciated within the contemporary theological controversies surrounding the Jesuit accommodation of Confucianism.Through close examination of Vico’s sources and intellectual context, Canaris argues that by refusing to consider Confucius as a “filosofo”, Vico dismantles the rationalist premises of the theological accommodation proposed by the Jesuits and proposes a new functionalist valorisation of non-Christian religion that anticipates post-colonial critiques of the Enlightenment.Table of ContentsAcknowledgementsPrefaceIntroduction: resurrecting the Chinese fossil‘A monstrous Chinese fossil’China and Confucianism in Vico’s NaplesVico and Jesuit accommodationismRevisiting the rozza e goffa philosophy of Vico’s ConfuciusPlan of this workChapter 1: Providence and Rome in the Diritto universaleRetheologising VicoBackground to grace and providence in Vico’s Diritto universaleProvidence between fate and chanceChapter 2: The problem of China in early modern historiographyPlacing China in a Judaeo-Christian metanarrativeDevelopment of the Jesuit view of ChinaChapter 3: The Scythian exception in the Diritto universaleThe Romans of the EastThe Scythians in early modern historiography and ethnographyVico’s Scythians and Noachide monotheismChapter 4: Towards a new theological valorisation of ChinaNormalising the ScythiansA hermeneutic of ignoranceDemystifying Chinese ideogramsRe-evaluating Jesuit accommodationismChapter 5: Poetic truth and Christian truthScienza versus coscienzaOntological truths and teologia civile ragionataConclusion: La discoverta del vero ConfucioBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisConfucianism and Christianity are the foundation of Chinese and Western culture. The father-son relation is at the centre of Confucian thinking and the ethical natural relationship is the model for other familial, social and political relationships. The divine father-son relationship between God and Jesus is also at the centre of Christian consideration and likewise is the model of Christian familial, social and political relationships. The particular appeal of this book is to offer a religious and cultural comparative study from this most cardinal and crucial relationship. To date, scholarship has opined that the Confucian father-son relationship established on a consanguineous basis has no comparable aspects with the spiritual based Christian divine father-son relationship. The author provides a compelling argument, backed up by close scriptural and religious readings, to overturn this longstanding perception.Table of ContentsIntroduction - The Relationship at the Centre of Confucian Thinking and Christian Ethics; The Origin of Xunzi's Secular Father-Son Relationship; Sources and Background of the Pauline Divine Father-Son Relationship; Classification of the Father-Son Relationship; The Pauline Ethical Divine Father-Son Relationship; Xunzi's Ethical Father-Son Relationship; Ethical Issues Concerning the Father-Son Relationship; Conclusion; Glossary; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book brings together the studies of Jeaneane Fowler in Taoism, Chinese popular religion and the broader canvas of Chinese cosmogony, and those of Merv Fowler in Confucianism, Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism. 'Chinese Religions' requires no previous knowledge and thereby serves as an introduction to the religions of China, and places it in the wider context of Chinese history and philosophy. The facets of Chinese religions are as broad, multilayered and varied as the geographical vastness of China itself, yet so many Chinese beliefs have found their way into the West -- the theory of yin and yang, the I Ching, the Tao Te Ching are good examples. One of the greatest characteristics of Chinese religions is that they encompass virtually every avenue of religious thought throughout the long span of Chinese pre-historic and historical pathways.Table of ContentsContents include: Ancient China: The Three Dynasties; Religious Taoism; Rhythms of the Universe; Chan Buddhism; Confucianism; Pure Land Buddhism; Neo-Confucianism; Popular Religion; Classical Taoism; Chinese Religions Today.

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Book SynopsisJohn Dewey's sojourn to China created a historical moment between the United States and China. Therefore, some of the recent scholarship on the topic aims to uncover the social and historical implications behind Dewey's Chinese trip, centering on how intercultural conversations occurred between "Confucius" and "John Dewey" during the period of May Fourth/New Culture Movement. Much research also reflects an attempt to synthesize and unify Western and Eastern education.This book spotlights a cross-cultural "encounter" between Confucius and John Dewey by studying the four well-known Chinese scholars Hu Shih, Liang Shuming, Tao Xingzhi, and Jiang Menglin, who exerted a profound impact on many aspects of Chinese society during the May Fourth/New Culture Movement period. The study explores answers to a crucial question: What motivated Dewey's Chinese disciples to forge a synthesis of Confucian traditions and Deweyan ideas to purse of the goals of Chinese educational and cultural reformation? Simultaneously, based on an in-depth historical, philosophical, and cultural analysis of Dewey's visit to China, this study aims to disclose how our education has evolved in the context of cultural pluralism.The book seeks to contribute provocative ideas to today's educators: any school of thought can renew and update itself if it maintains an open dialogue with a different civilization. Dynamic and transparent intercultural communication enables us to develop a sense of understanding and respect for cultural diversity, all of which are of great benefit to the construction of a stable and healthy international order.

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Book SynopsisJohn Dewey's sojourn to China created a historical moment between the United States and China. Therefore, some of the recent scholarship on the topic aims to uncover the social and historical implications behind Dewey's Chinese trip, centering on how intercultural conversations occurred between "Confucius" and "John Dewey" during the period of May Fourth/New Culture Movement. Much research also reflects an attempt to synthesize and unify Western and Eastern education.This book spotlights a cross-cultural "encounter" between Confucius and John Dewey by studying the four well-known Chinese scholars Hu Shih, Liang Shuming, Tao Xingzhi, and Jiang Menglin, who exerted a profound impact on many aspects of Chinese society during the May Fourth/New Culture Movement period. The study explores answers to a crucial question: What motivated Dewey's Chinese disciples to forge a synthesis of Confucian traditions and Deweyan ideas to purse of the goals of Chinese educational and cultural reformation? Simultaneously, based on an in-depth historical, philosophical, and cultural analysis of Dewey's visit to China, this study aims to disclose how our education has evolved in the context of cultural pluralism.The book seeks to contribute provocative ideas to today's educators: any school of thought can renew and update itself if it maintains an open dialogue with a different civilization. Dynamic and transparent intercultural communication enables us to develop a sense of understanding and respect for cultural diversity, all of which are of great benefit to the construction of a stable and healthy international order.

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Book SynopsisFor more than two thousand years, the writings of the Confucian philosopher Mengzi have been a source of guidance and inspiration for those set on doing something to improve the state of the world. In Doing What You Really Want, Franklin Perkins presents a coherent, systematic, and accessible explanation of Mengzi''s philosophy. He covers everything from the place of human beings in nature, to human psychology and philosophy of emotions, to the various ways in which we can deliberately change and cultivate ourselves. Mengzi was concerned not just with theory but also effective action. Perkins thus includes a collection of practical advice and a Confucian analysis of politics oriented toward how individuals can make a difference in the world. These topics are integrated around Mengzi''s philosophy as a way of life dedicated to changing the world, providing an alternative approach for understanding the contemporary relevance of Confucianism. Mengzi offers theoretical and practical resourTrade ReviewScholars from disciplines such as (intercultural) philosophy and religious studies will have much to gain from this. * Religious Studies Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Why Confucianism? Chapter One: Harmony with Nature Chapter Two: What People Really Want Chapter Three: Emotions and Enjoying Life Chapter Four: Cultivating Feelings Chapter Five: Learning Chapter Six: Ritual, Music and Embodied Emotions Chapter Seven: Temptations, Excuses, and Putting Ideas into Practice Chapter Eight: Power, Politics and Action Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisIn this original study, Joshua Brown seeks to demonstrate the fruitfulness of Chinese philosophy for Christian theology by using Confucianism to reread, reassess, and ultimately expand the Christology of the twentieth-century Catholic theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar. Taking up the critically important Confucian idea of xiao (filial piety), Brown argues that this concept can be used to engage anew Balthasar's treatment of the doctrine of Christ's filial obedience, thus leading us to new Christological insights. To this end, Brown first offers in-depth studies of the early Confucian idea of xiao and of Balthasar's Christology on their own terms and in their own contexts. He then proposes that Confucianism affirms certain aspects of Balthasar's insights into Christ's filial obedience. Brown also shows how the Confucian understanding of xiao provides reasons to criticize some of Balthasar's controversial claims, such as his account of intra-Trinitarian obedience. Trade Review“Balthasar in Light of Early Confucianism is unique in its comparison between Western Catholic Christology’s concept of Jesus’s Sonship, especially as developed by Balthasar, and the Confucian ideal of sonship. Academic theologians, specifically comparative or constructive theologians, and religious scholars will benefit from this project.” —Sunggu Yang, author of King’s Speech and Evangelical Pilgrims from the East“In this highly original book, Joshua Brown approaches the dialogue between traditional Chinese culture and Christianity in a fresh way, showing how the ancient Confucian institution of filial piety can cast a surprisingly helpful light on Hans Urs von Balthasar’s central notion of the Son’s obedience to the Father. Balthasar in Light of Early Confucianism not only deepens our understanding of Confucius and Balthasar, but gives us a whole new way to think about what the ‘inculturation of faith’ could mean.” —D.C. Schindler, author of Freedom from Reality"The book began as a doctoral dissertation but has become much more than that: a full-fledged, original treatise on intercultural and comparative theology. The main thesis is that the early Confucian concept of xiao or 'filial piety' has a unique potential to shed new light on the nature of Jesus Christ's obedience to God as Father." —Religious Studies Review"Recent years have seen a fortunate surge in contributions to Confucian-Christian comparison. Joshua Brown’s Balthasar in Light of Early Confucianism stands tall among them. Brown matches rigorous methodology with original insights. ...as accessible as it is scholarly." —Reading Religion

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Book SynopsisThe Ling Ch''I Ching was first created by an unknown Chinese scholar who consciously sought to present the world with a more accessible oracle than the esoteric I Ching . For centuries the Ling Ch''I Ching has been a popular divination device for attaining self-knowledge and wisdom. Like its more famous cousin, the I Ching , the Ling Ch''I Ching is rich in poetic language and metaphorical imagery, linking the dynamic principles of heaven and earth with the affairs of people. But the Ling Ch''I Ching is far more accessible than the I Ching , focusing on the concerns of day-to-day life and positive accomplishment, with no moving lines to interpret. The method of consultation includes throwing twelve coins, which are then arranged in three rows to yield one of 125 possible trigraphs. In the text, each trigraph is represented by a core oracle describing a situation, problem, or event, and its internal dynamic, along with a verse emphasizing the trigraph''s more subtle, intuitive qu

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Book SynopsisThinking Through Confucius critically interprets the conceptual structure underlying Confucius' philosophical reflections. It also investigates thinking, or philosophy from the perspective of Confucius. Perhaps the philosophical question of our time is what is philosophy. The authors suggest that an examination of the Chinese philosophy may provide an alternative definition of philosophy that can be used to address some of the pressing issues of the Western cultural tradition. This book finds an appropriate language for the interpretation of traditional Chinese philosophical thought - a language which is relatively free from the bias and presuppositions of Western philosophy.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisKumazawa Banzan''s (1619-1691) Responding to the Great Learning (Daigaku wakumon) stands as the first major writing on political economy in early modern Japanese history. John A. Tucker''s translation is the first English rendition of this controversial text to be published in eighty years. The introduction offers an accessible and incisive commentary, including detailed analyses of Banzan''s text within the context of his life, as well as broader historical and intellectual developments in East Asian Confucian thought. Emphasizing parallels between Banzan''s life events, such as his relief efforts in the Okayama domain following devastating flooding, and his later writings advocating compassionate government, environmental initiatives, and projects for growing wealth, Tucker sheds light on Banzan''s main objective of ''governing the realm and bringing peace and prosperity to all below heaven''. In Responding to the Great Learning, Banzan was doing more than writing a philosophical comTable of ContentsIntroduction; Part I: 1. The heaven-decreed duty of the people's ruler; 2. The heaven-decreed duty of the people's ministers; 3. Revering good counsel; 4. A grand project for growing wealth; 5. Eliminating anxieties over flooding and relieving droughts; 6. Preparing for northern barbarians, emergencies, and bad harvests; 7. Filling Shogunal coffers with gold, silver, rice, and grain; 8. Eliminating debt from the realm below heaven; 9. Helping Rōnin, vagrants, the unemployed, and the impoverished; 10. Making mountains luxuriant and rivers run deep; Part II: 11. The ebb and flow of the ruler's blessings; 12. Returning to the old farmer-Samurai society; 13. Eliminating landless income and increasing new fiefs; 14. Lowering the cost of foreign silk and textiles; 15. Eliminating Christianity; 16. Reviving Buddhism; 17. Reviving Shintō; 18. Worthy rulers reviving Japan; 19. Governing with education; 20. Those who should teach in our schools ; 21..A little kindness provides benefits; 22. Wasted rice and grain; Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisHylomorphism is a metaphysical theory that explains the unity of material objects through a special immaterial part, a form'. While contemporary accounts of hylomorphism appeal to structure, and advocate that material substances can have other substances as parts, James Dominic Rooney highlights the flaws in this Neo-Aristotelian way of thinking. Instead, he draws on medieval European and Chinese traditions to put forward that the classical approach to the unity of material objects in terms of form' remains theoretically superior. Rooney shows how Thomas Aquinas' account of form gives a more coherent version of hylomorphism, eliminating the need for substance parts. He also studies the Song dynasty Confucian thinker Zhu Xi's hylomorphic intuition that whatever accounts for the composition of some parts into a material whole is a metaphysical part of that object. By appealing to the same non-Aristotelian considerations as Zhu Xi, Rooney explains why all those who believe in the unity Trade ReviewMaterial Objects in Confucian and Aristotelian Metaphysics encompasses a fascinating, historically astute journey through the metaphysics of hylomorphism – the view that objects are compounds of form and matter. Rooney artfully weaves together medieval and contemporary Western approaches to the topic with their Confucian counterparts in a manner that illuminates both traditions. * John Heil, Professor of Philosophy, Washington University, Durham University and Monash University *In an epoch tempted by metaphysical skepticism and philosophical tribalism, this book presents us with a nuanced but confident defense of the prerogatives of universal human reason. James Dominic Rooney investigates the notion of hylomorphic composition in the Thomistic and Aristotelian traditions. Material realities have natures, and ontological unity, as material parts, such that we can understand physical realities in universal terms, and make consistent scientific progress in understanding their causes. Not only does Rooney engage both Aristotelian and contemporary analytic literature on the subject, he also studies in depth the parallel traditions one finds in ancient Confucian thought. What emerges is a decisive argument in favor of all human beings as explanation seeking beings, able to access truths about the structure of material reality across time, place and culture. An important contribution to the revival of metaphysics in contemporary philosophy! * Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, Rector, Pontifical University of St. Thomas, Angelicum, Italy *In this book Rooney offers a robust defence of hylemorphic composition whilst at the same time showing that the metaphysical views of two thinkers as divergent in geography and culture as St Thomas Aquinas and Zhu Xi converge on this important issue. Rooney’s work advances both the historical and systematic scholarship in this area and is a welcome addition to the field. * Gaven Kerr, Lecturer in Philosophy, St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, Ireland *Father Rooney is one of very few contemporary scholars who are capable of bringing the metaphysics of Aristotle and Zhu Xi into a productive dialogue. This book makes a substantial contribution, not only to metaphysics, but also to our understandings of Aristotle, of Zhu Xi, and of comparative philosophy. * Bryan W. Van Norden, James Monroe Taylor Chair in Philosophy, Vassar College, USA *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Structural Hylomorphism 2. Structural Deterioration 3. From Structure to Substantial Forms 4. Zhu Xi’s Metaphysics of Material Objects 5. Forms Matter Conclusion: The Significance of Hylomorphism Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisContrasts classical Greek ontology ("the science of being in itself") with Confucian "zoetology" ("the art of living").In Living Chinese Philosophy, Roger T. Ames uses comparative cultural hermeneutics as a method for contrasting classical Greek ontology ("the science of being in itself") with classical Chinese "zoetology" ("the art of living"), which is made explicit in the Yijingor Book of Changes. Parmenides, Plato, and Aristotle give us a substance ontology grounded in "being qua being" or "being per se" (to on he on) that guarantees a permanent and unchanging subject as the substratum for the human experience. This substratum or essence includes its purpose for being (telos) and defines the "what-it-means-to-be-a-thing-of-this-kind" (eidos) of any particular thing, thus setting a closed, exclusive boundary and the strict identity necessary for a particular thing to be "this" and not "that." In the Book of Changes, we find a vocabulary that makes explicit cosmological assumptions that are a stark alternative to this substance ontology. It also provides the interpretive context for the canonical texts by locating them within a holistic, organic, and ecological worldview. To provide a meaningful contrast with this fundamental assumption of on or "being," we might borrow the Greek notion of zoe or "life" and create the neologism "zoe-tology" as "the art of living" (shengshenglun). This cosmology begins from "living" (sheng) itself as the motive force behind change and gives us a world of boundless "becomings": not "things" that are but "events" that are happening, a contrast between an ontological conception of human "beings" and a process conception of what the author calls human "becomings."

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Book SynopsisYong Huang is Professor of Philosophy at Kutztown University, USA, and Visiting Zijiang Chair Professor of Philosophy at East China Normal University, China; he is also Editor of Dao: A Journal of Comparative Philosophy.Trade Review‘A fair and thoughtful overview of Confucius's philosophy by a scholar who has worked with the relevant texts for many years. A particular strength of the book is the author's sensitivity to current problems in philosophy, especially ethics; through sympathetic reading and argumentation, Huang shows that Confucian ideas are as relevant today as in the past.' -- Paul Goldin, Professor of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at University of Pennsylvania, USA.‘Yong Huang's book is a wonderful, lively introduction to Confucianism. Huang addresses basic questions about Confucius and his views, but his treatment of them invites much more than basic understanding, discussing both Confucius and the tradition of interpreting him with rich complexity and sophistication. Huang does not shrink from deep scholarly issues but addresses them in a way both beginners and scholars will appreciate, providing a range of interpretive views in a remarkably accessible and engaging way.' -- Amy Olberding, Associate Professor of Philosophy at University of Oklahoma, USAThis is the best historical and philosophical introduction to Confucius for today's readers. Clearly written, Confucius' ethical teaching is vividly presented in dialogue with the Chinese exegetic tradition and western philosophers, both classical and modern. This is a must-read. -- Vincent Shen, Lee Chair in Chinese Thought and Culture in the Department of Philosophy and Department of East Asian Studies at University of Toronto, CanadaThe Analects is a text that perplexes even the most sophisticated reader. While no one will exhaust the creative puzzlement of the Analects, Huang's work goes a long way to show why perplexity can foster genuine moral reflection and action. -- John Berthrong, Associate Professor of Comparative Theology at Boston University, USAYong Huang’s Confucius: A Guide for the Perplexed is a unique introduction to early Confucian thought from the perspective of comparative analytic philosophy . . . Huang makes liberal use of both Confucian commentators and modern philosophers—Chinese and Western. It is really a tour de force of comparative philosophy. -- Joseph A. Adler, Kenyon College * Journal of Chinese Religions *Amid a sea of translations and introductions aimed at the novice or nonspecialist reader, Huang’s short topical survey of key themes in the Confucian Analects stands out as an island of elegance, concision, and erudition. -- Jeffrey L. Richey, Berea College * Religious Studies Review *Table of Contents1. The Life of Confucius: "A Homeless Dog" 2. Morality: Why You Should Not Turn the Other Cheek 3. Virtue: How to Love Virtue as You Love Sex 4. Moral Education: How to Teach What Can Only be Learned by Oneself 5. Filial Piety: Why an Upright Son Does Not Disclose His Father Stealing a Sheep Notes References Index

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