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"The Multiple Dimensions of Confucian Relational Ethics and the "Way of Being With

Bibliographic Data

ID3215032
AuthorsZhongjiang Wang (0000-0003-4183-4370, Peking University, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume13
Issue10
Pages922
Publication date2022-10-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel13100922
OpenAlexW4303968707
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited3

To reduce Confucian ethics to a "hierarchy of association" or to say that it is incapable of dealing with the problems of strangers is to only see that Confucian ethics stipulates different treatments for kin relations and the sexes. However, this fails to see the multiple different dimensions of Confucian ethics. In fact, the Confucians established universal relational ethics, rationality of social engagement, and a "way of being with" in the interpersonal relationships that are obtained between the self and others. This kind of ethics was not only effective in ancient society, but it is also effective at dealing with the problems of the modern "society of strangers": it has a universal applicability. Beginning from two Confucian stories, and drawing on records of Confucius and his disciples in the Analects alongside supporting passages from the Mengzi and the Xunzi, this essay elucidates the notions of how self and other should treat each other, how wise people should know themselves and others, how benevolent people should love themselves and others, to argue that Confucianism possesses a universal relational ethics and a "way of being with", and that the multiple dimensions of Confucian ethics cannot be reduced to just one

China · Confucian ethics · Epistemology · Hierarchy · Interpersonal relationship · Political science · Rationality · Sociology · China's Socioeconomic Reforms and Governance · Chinese history and philosophy · Cultural Differences and Values · Law · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works2
Citations per year2
Citation span2025 - 2026 (2)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 2

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