ABSTRACT

Mou Zongsan (1909–1995), one of the representatives of Modern Confucianism, belongs to the most important Chinese philosophers of the twentieth century. From a more traditional Confucian perspective, this book makes a critical analysis on Mou’s "moral metaphysics," mainly his thoughts about Confucian ethos.

The author observes that Mou simplifies Confucian ethos rooted in various and specific environments, making them equal to modern ethics, which is a subversion of the ethical order of life advocated by traditional Confucianism. The author believes, also, that Mou has twisted Confucian ethos systematically by introducing Kant’s concept of autonomy into the interpretation of Confucian thoughts.

Scholars and students in Chinese philosophy, especially those in Confucian studies, will be attracted by this book. Also, it will appeal to readers interested in comparative philosophy.

part I|62 pages

The reduction of morality

part II|68 pages

The appropriation of autonomy