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Confucian Moral Self Cultivation

An exploration of moral development in Confucian philosophy

Philip J Ivanhoe author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Confucian Moral Self Cultivation cover

This book provides an insightful exploration of moral self-cultivation in Confucian thought, examining key philosophers and their contributions to this essential concept.

This book offers a clear and engaging introduction to the evolution of moral self-cultivation within the Chinese Confucian tradition. It begins by outlining the pre-philosophical developments that shaped key ideas related to self-cultivation. This foundational context sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how various Confucian philosophers, including Kongzi (Confucius), Mengzi (Mencius), and others, approached the topic throughout history.

Confucian Moral Self Cultivation delves into the specific philosophies of influential thinkers such as Xunzi, Zhu Xi, Wang Yangming, Yan Yuan, and Dai Zhen. Each philosopher's contributions are examined in detail, highlighting their unique perspectives on moral self-cultivation and its significance within the broader context of Confucian thought. The book not only surveys these diverse views but also connects them to relevant themes in Western ethical traditions, enriching the reader's understanding of moral philosophy.

In addition to its insightful analyses, the volume includes a comprehensive bibliography and index, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the complexities of moral philosophy. By bridging Eastern and Western traditions, Confucian Moral Self Cultivation invites readers to reflect on the universal aspects of moral development and the enduring relevance of Confucian ideals in contemporary ethical discussions.

The publication of this book itself is news. Hackett has emerged as one of the three leading publishers in English of books in philosophy, especially of classic texts and studies of classic texts. Their publication of a second edition of Ivanhoe's study is a strong signal that China is now on the English-speaking world's philosophical map . . . . Besides being a harbinger, Ivanhoe's book has singular merits. He is a careful and thorough interpreter of texts, and also has the knack of presenting an insight or an interpretive move in a short space and in pointed language. This ability to say something important in a condensed and vivid way is invaluable in a book whose intended audience includes not only scholars of Chinese philosophy but also philosophically grounded readers whose previous knowledge of Chinese philosophy has been slight. Another merit is the way in which Ivanhoe presents other people's scholarship. He provides a wide range of citations of recent interpretations of the texts under discussion; but in general the explanation and Ivanhoe's answering comment are kept brief, which enhances the readability of the book for its intended audiences . . . . As a detailed presentation of Confucian accounts of moral self cultivation, and of recent scholarship pertaining to this, [this book] is I think superb and unrivaled. --Joel J. Kupperman, Journal of Chinese Philosophy

ISBN: 9780872205093

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 320g

152 pages

Second Edition,2