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6 - Justice, Propriety, and the Common Good

from Part I - Two Ancient Traditions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 July 2022

James Gordley
James Gordley
Affiliation:
Tulane University, Louisiana
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Summary

In both classical traditions, normative standards are based on human nature. To act rightly is to live a truly human life. In both traditions, the purpose of society and government is to help every person to live such a life. Part of living such a life is to help others to do so.

Confucians spoke of ren (仁) or benevolence. For Mencius, the object of ren is the well-being of others. When extended, it is the well-being of everyone in society. One of his examples of benevolence concerned a king who doubted that he had any such virtue. Mencius reminded him of the distress he had once felt seeing an ox about to be sacrificed to consecrate a bell. He spared the ox. If extended to a concern for all people, his benevolence would be sufficient to rule a kingdom.

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The Eclipse of Classical Thought in China and The West , pp. 80 - 115
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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