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
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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