Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

12-2000

Abstract

The debate between Hans-Georg Gadamer and Jürgen Habermas provides a fresh perspective from which Confucian philosophy may be approached. In this paper, focusing on the Lunyu (Analects), I argue that the sayings of Confucius reflect an essentially 'conservative' orientation, finding in tradition a reservoir of insight and truth. There is a critical dimension to it in that ethical reflection and self-cultivation would enable the individual to challenge particular claims of tradition. However, can self-cultivation transcend tradition as a whole and enable the individual to effect radical change? Following the strategy of Habermas' critique of Gadamer, what happens if tradition is systemically corrupt? In this discussion, rather than taking tradition generally I will focus on the concept of ritual (li) to suggest how the Lunyu seeks to crystallise the wisdom of the past into an ethical guide. The conclusion I draw is in the main a Gadamerian one. Committed to a critical appropriation of tradition, Confucian philosophy seeks ethical renewal from within, on the premise that through incremental change self-cultivation can make a real difference in the quest for moral excellence.

Discipline

Asian Studies | Philosophy

Research Areas

Integrative Research Areas

Publication

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

Volume

10

Issue

3

First Page

245

Last Page

261

ISSN

0955-2367

Identifier

10.1080/09552360020011286

Publisher

Taylor and Francis Group

Additional URL

http://doi.org/10.1080/09552360020011286

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