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Reconsidering ren as virtue and benevolence

  • George Rudebusch

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

One reason why Confucius is preeminent among Chinese philosophers is his teaching about ren. Interpreters have said many different things about ren, yet two basic assumptions are pervasive: that ren is a virtue and that ren is benevolence. I argue that it is more respectful to the text of the Analects to discard both assumptions. Instead of virtue, ren is a priority in one's motives. Instead of benevolence, ren is humane courtesy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)456-472
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Chinese Philosophy
Volume40
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Philosophy

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