Confucian Thought

Tu Wei-ming is the foremost exponent of Confucian thought in the United States today. Over the last two decades he has been developing a creative scholarly interpretation of Confucian humanism as a living tradition. The result is a work of interpretive brilliance that revitalizes Confucian thought, making it a legitimate concern of contemporary philosophical reflections.

The intellectual legacy of Confucianism has loomed large in efforts to understand China's past, present, and future. While Confucian ethics has been thoroughly explored, the question remains: what exactly is Confucian political thought? Classical Confucian Political Thought returns to the classical texts of the Confucian tradition to answer this vital question. Showing how Confucian ethics and politics diverge, Loubna El Amine argues that Confucian political thought is not a direct application of Confucian moral philosophy. Instead, contrary to the conventional view that Confucian rule aims to instill virtue in all members of society, El Amine demonstrates that its main aim is to promote political order. El Amine analyzes key aspects of the Confucian political vision, including the relationship between the ruler and the people, the typology of rulers, and the role of ministers and government officials. She also looks at Confucianism’s account of the mechanisms through which society is to be regulated, from welfare policies to rituals. She explains that the Confucian conception of the political leaves space open for the rule of those who are not virtuous if these rulers establish and maintain political order. She also contends that Confucians defend the duty to take part in government based on the benefits that such participation can bring to society. Classical Confucian Political Thought brings a new understanding to Confucian political theory by illustrating that it is not chiefly idealistic and centered on virtue, but rather realistic and driven by political concerns.

This comprehensive introduction explores the life and teachings of Confucius, and development of Confucian thought, from ancient times to the present today. Demonstrates the wisdom and enduring relevance of Confucius’s teachings – drawing parallels between our 21st century society and that of China 2,500 years ago, where government corruption, along with social, economic, and technical changes, led thinkers to examine human nature and society Draws on the latest research and incorporates interpretations of Confucius and his works by Chinese and Western scholars throughout the centuries Explores how Confucius's followers expanded and reinterpreted his ideas after his death, and how this process has continued throughout Chinese history Seamlessly links Confucius with our modern age, revealing how his teachings have become the basis of East Asian culture and influenced the West

“It is a spectacular example of the Confucian commentarial tradition at its best. Tu manages to elucidate the original text while building on it in new and exciting ways. He has a clear grasp of the inner logic which is the engine of Chung yung's thought, and best of all, he is able to communicate it clearly in his own text. It is impossible to think about teaching a class in early Confucian thought without recommending this book. If it were a graduate class, Centrality and Commonality would have to be required reading. (Because) it is extraordinarily lucid about a very difficult topic, I wouldn't hesitate to use this book in an undergraduate class (as well).” — Warren G. Frisina, Rice University “This kind of interpretative essay is precisely what is needed to persuade Western philosophers and general humanists to take the Chinese texts seriously as a resource for alternative conceptual structures. Tu's main contribution lies in the quality of his insight into the important differences between 'person,' as defined in the Confucian context, and the dominant Western understandings. Given the ease with which it reads, I would target this work for classroom use.” — Roger T. Ames, University of Hawaii “Tu is to be commended for bringing the rich resources of Chinese thought and culture into the midst of modern discussions that simultaneously encompass and transcend diverse cultures and their values within the scope of common human issues. He boldly confronts the seminal crisis of our times and amply demonstrates his ability to bring an insightful, creative intellect to bear upon the questions posed. In addition, his depth of personal commitment to the subject is very much in evidence and enriches this scholarly study with a unique dimension of human-ness.” — Sandra A. Wawrytko, San Diego State University “Tu amplifies and clarifies the key patterns of thought in the text and succeeds in interweaving them into a richly textured and holistic Confucian Weltanschauung. I like the book because it is provocative. Tu's interpretation challenges the conventional wisdom that Confucianism is a purely rational and secular ethical system. His style is lucid—although the subject is both complex and difficult—and any intelligent general reader would enjoy the work and learn a great deal.” — Leo S. Chang, Harvard University

A new generation of Confucian scholars is coming of age. China is reawakening to the power and importance of its own culture. This volume provides a unique view of the emerging Confucian vision for China and the world in the 21st century. Unlike the Neo-Confucians sojourning in North America who recast Confucianism in terms of modern Western values, this new generation of Chinese scholars takes the authentic roots of Confucian thought seriously. This collection of essays offers the first critical exploration in English of the emerging Confucian, non-liberal, non-social-democratic, moral and political vision for China’s future. Inspired by the life and scholarship of Jiang Qing who has emerged as China's exemplar contemporary Confucian, this volume allows the English reader access to a moral and cultural vision that seeks to direct China’s political power, social governance, and moral life. For those working in Chinese studies, this collection provides the first access in English to major debates in China concerning a Confucian reconceptualization of governance, a critical Confucian assessment of feminism, Confucianism functioning again as a religion, and the possibility of a moral vision that can fill the cultural vacuum created by the collapse of Marxism.

This first paperback edition of a renowned collection of essays by noted scholar of Chinese history and philosophy Tu Wei-ming includes a new introductory essay by Robert Cummings Neville, Dean of

An interdisciplinary exploration of the Confucian family in East Asia which includes historical, psychocultural, and gender studies perspectives.