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Confucian Moral Self Cultivation: A Book Review
Confucian Moral Self Cultivation by Philip J. Ivanhoe is a concise and accessible introduction to the evolution of the concept of moral self-cultivation in the Chinese Confucian tradition. The book begins with an explanation of the pre-philosophical development of ideas central to this concept, such as ren (humaneness), li (ritual), and de (virtue). It then examines the specific treatment of self-cultivation in the philosophy of Kongzi (Confucius), Mengzi (Mencius), Xunzi, Zhu Xi, Wang Yangming, Yan Yuan, and Dai Zhen. Ivanhoe shows how these thinkers developed and modified the original Confucian vision of moral self-cultivation in response to changing historical, social, and intellectual circumstances.
The book is divided into seven chapters, each focusing on one of the major Confucian thinkers or schools. Ivanhoe provides a clear and accurate exposition of their main ideas and arguments, as well as a critical evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses. He also relates their concern with moral self-cultivation to some topics in the Western ethical tradition, such as virtue ethics, moral psychology, moral education, and moral responsibility. Ivanhoe demonstrates that Confucian moral self-cultivation is not a static or monolithic doctrine, but a rich and dynamic practice that can offer valuable insights for contemporary moral reflection.
Confucian Moral Self Cultivation is an ideal text for students and scholars who are interested in learning more about the Confucian ethical tradition and its relevance for today's world. It is also a stimulating and enjoyable read for anyone who wants to explore the possibilities of moral self-improvement and human flourishing.
One of the main themes that Ivanhoe explores in the book is the relationship between moral self-cultivation and moral agency. He argues that Confucian thinkers share a common view that moral self-cultivation is not only a means to achieve moral excellence, but also a way of expressing and enhancing one's moral agency. Moral agency, according to Ivanhoe, is the capacity to act in accordance with one's own moral convictions and values, rather than being determined by external factors or influences. Ivanhoe shows how Confucian thinkers differ in their accounts of how moral self-cultivation can foster moral agency, depending on their views on human nature, moral psychology, and moral epistemology.
Another theme that Ivanhoe discusses in the book is the role of emotions in moral self-cultivation. He points out that Confucian thinkers do not regard emotions as irrational or disruptive forces that need to be suppressed or eliminated, but rather as essential components of human nature and morality. He explains how Confucian thinkers conceive of emotions as manifestations of one's moral dispositions and sensibilities, and how they advocate various methods of cultivating and regulating one's emotions in order to achieve harmony within oneself and with others. Ivanhoe also compares and contrasts the Confucian views on emotions with some Western perspectives, such as those of Aristotle, Hume, and Kant.
A third theme that Ivanhoe examines in the book is the social dimension of moral self-cultivation. He emphasizes that Confucian thinkers do not regard moral self-cultivation as a solitary or individualistic endeavor, but rather as a communal and relational practice that involves learning from others, participating in rituals, and fulfilling one's roles and responsibilities. He illustrates how Confucian thinkers address the challenges and tensions that arise from living in a complex and changing society, such as the conflicts between loyalty and filial piety, between tradition and innovation, and between universalism and particularism. He also explores how Confucian thinkers envision the ideal society as a result of moral self-cultivation, such as the concepts of datong (great harmony), renwen (humaneness), and tianxia (all under heaven). aa16f39245