Abstract
One reason why Confucius is preeminent among Chinese philosophers is his teaching about ren 仁. Interpreters have said many different things about ren, yet two basic assumptions are pervasive: that ren is a virtue and that ren is benevolence. I argue that it is more respectful to the text of the Analects to discard both assumptions. Instead of virtue, ren is a priority in one's motives. Instead of benevolence, ren is humane courtesy.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 456-472 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Journal | Journal of Chinese Philosophy |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 3-4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2021 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Philosophy