The moral and non-moral virtues in Confucian ethics

Document Type

Journal article

Source Publication

Asian Philosophy: An International Journal of the Philosophical Traditions of the East

Publication Date

2-1-2011

Volume

21

Issue

1

First Page

71

Last Page

82

Publisher

Routledge

Abstract

The question ‘How should one live?’ reflects the central concern in the ethics of Socrates. The answer to this question is not merely related to the concepts of obligation and duty, which constitute the major problems of modern moral philosophy, but it can also be considered from the prudential point of view. Therefore both the moral and non-moral realms contribute to a good life. Although there is little doubt concerning the existence of the non-moral realm in Confucianism, yet the relationship between the moral and the non-moral realms has not been carefully examined. Obviously the nature of the existence of the non-moral realm can be clear only if the question whether the non-moral virtues can be defined in terms of, or reduced to, or overridden by moral virtues is resolved. This paper attempts to scrutinize the relationship mentioned so as to determine the status of prudence within the ethics of Confucianism.

DOI

10.1080/09552367.2011.540378

Print ISSN

09552367

E-ISSN

14692961

Publisher Statement

Copyright © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.

Full-text Version

Publisher’s Version

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Wong, W. Y. (2011). The moral and non-moral virtues inConfucian ethics. Asian Philosophy: An International Journal of the Philosophical Traditions of the East, v.21, (1), 2011, Feb, p.71-82, 21(1), 71-82. doi: 10.1080/09552367.2011.540378

Share

COinS