ABSTRACT
The concept of autonomy is related to Kant’s fundamental understanding of morality, and it is a pivotal concept which exerts a crucial influence within Kant’s moral philosophy. Confucian ethics is virtue ethics centered on the accomplishment of a “complete person,” which is far different from Kantian deontology. In Confucian ethics, what is first emphasized is “sincerity in the intercourse with friends.” That is, the special virtue of “sincerity” is directed to the relationship with friends. In ethical life, man’s behavior motivation is reflected through his nature and emotions, and thus can be revealed through his moral virtue: this is the essence of Confucian ethics. If Confucian ethical thought is understood as Kantian deontology, Confucian ethics will suffer from the “schizophrenia of modern ethical theories,” and develop even further a tendency towards moral fanaticism. In fact, this is a serious consequence of Mou Zongsan misappropriating Kant’s moral autonomy for the interpretation of Confucian ethics.
