The Confucian Ideal of Harmony
Document Type
Article
Department or Administrative Unit
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Publication Date
10-2006
Abstract
He 和 (harmony, harmonization) is probably the most cherished ideal in Chinese culture. Unfortunately, given its significance, it is arguably also the most understudied. It is therefore high time for some serious study of this ideal. This essay focuses on the Confucian tradition. It first explores the meaning of the Confucian notion of he; then it provides a philosophical analysis and exposition; finally, on the basis of value pluralism, this study offers a justification for this Confucian approach to today’s world philosophy and world-cultural politics.
Recommended Citation
Li, C. (2006). The Confucian Ideal of Harmony. Philosophy East and West, 56(4), 583–603. https://doi.org/10.1353/pew.2006.0055
Journal
Philosophy East and West
Rights
© 2006 by University of Hawai‘i Press
Comments
This article was originally published in Philosophy East and West. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.
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