Confucian Studies

Edited by Xinzhong Yao, Tu Weiming

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About the Book

It is difficult, if not totally impossible, to define what we call ‘Confucianism’ in terms of any of the disciplines we are used to in the West, and contemporary scholars tend to see it as a historical and yet living tradition containing elements of philosophy, religion, politics, morality and education, continuing to hold a swinging power over the way and value of life in East Asia.

To some extent Confucianism can be broadly said to have started with the teaching of Confucius (551-479 BC) who focused on how to restore moral and political order through education and ritual performance, although he did not see himself as the founder of a new moment, nor did he elaborate a systematic religious or philosophical doctrine. Several centuries after his death, he was elevated to the position of the Perfect Sage and Ancient Teacher (zhisheng xianshi), and gradually became one of the focuses in state sacrifices. In this way Confucianism became part of the state religion or ideology addressing the needs of government, community, family and the self, and dominated intellectual and social life for more than 2000 years in China, and to a less extent other parts of East Asia.

While having substantially declined in political and social influence, Confucianism was revived by leading intellectuals (Modern New Confucians) in the 20th century to deal with perennial problems facing modern people and society. It is against this background that Confucian studies has become an increasingly important subject taught in universities and colleges in North America, Europe, East Asia and Australia. With more and more universities and colleges offering courses on or relating to Confucian philosophy, ethics, religion and politics, there is an urgent need for a source book in contemporary Confucian studies. With volume 1 covering Confucianism in History, volume 2 Confucian Philosophy and Ethics, volume 3 Confucian Education and Politics and volume 4 Confucian Religion, this is a major reference work of essential importance to undergraduates, postgraduates and academics in Confucianism, East Asian history, philosophy and religion.

Table of Contents

Volume 1: Confucianism in History, Volume 2: Confucian Philosophy and Ethics, Volume 3: Confucian Education and Politics, Volume 4: Confucian Religion