Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

4-2016

Abstract

This article challenges the conventional view that Confucianism has no place for the value of equality by shifting the focus from direct justification of equality (Why equality?) to concerns about actual social and political problems (Which inequalities are objectionable?). From this perspective, early Confucian texts endorse some inequalities, in particular those based on virtue, while objecting to others, especially socioeconomic inequalities. Confucians do not consider equality or inequality as inherently valuable, but evaluate them in relation to issues of good government.

Discipline

Philosophy

Research Areas

Humanities

Publication

Philosophy East and West

Volume

66

Issue

2

First Page

488

Last Page

514

ISSN

0031-8221

Identifier

10.1353/pew.2016.0048

Publisher

University of Hawaii Press

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1353/pew.2016.0048

Included in

Philosophy Commons

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