The Trouble with Confucianism

by Wm. Theodore de Bary

Overview

In Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and other parts of East and Southeast Asia, as well as China, people are asking, "What does Confucianism have to offer today?" For some, Confucius is still the symbol of a reactionary and repressive past; for others, he is the humanist admired by generations of scholars and thinkers, East and West, for his ethical system and discipline. In the face of such complications, only a scholar of Theodore de Bary's stature could venture broad answers to the question of the significance of Confucianism in today's world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674910164
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	02/01/1996
Series:	The Tanner Lectures on Human Values , #3
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	150
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

William Theodore de Bary was John Mitchell Mason Professor of the University, Emeritus, and Provost Emeritus at Columbia University.

Editorial Reviews

It is a pleasure to read a book by a fine scholar who is not distracted from his discussion of the evolution of Confucianism from the time of Confucius himself (who drew on earlier traditions) by the trouble Confucianists had, and created, over the millennia. Gu Jiegang, who said we should study one Confucius at a time—he changed from a historical figure to a mythological one (even a magician) and a sage—would have liked this book.

Asian Studies Review

The problem with applying Confucianism today, says noted Orientalist De Bary, is that, while it insists that the ruler be just, wise, compassionate, etc., it leaves no space for the people to act on their own behalf. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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