This volume serves both as an introduction to the thought of Mengzi (Mencius) and Wang Yangming and as a comparison of their views. By examining issues held in common by both thinkers, Ivanhoe illustrates how the Confucian tradition was both continued and transformed by Wang Yangming, and shows the extent to which he was influenced by Buddhism. Topics explored are: the nature of morality; human nature; the nature and origin of wickedness; self cultivation; and sagehood. In addition to revised versions of each of these original chapters, Ivanhoe includes a new chapter on Kongzi's (Confucius') view of the Way.

About the Author

Philip J. Ivanhoe is Professor in and Chair of the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Georgetown University.

Reviews

This enlightening book is a comparative study of the moral and metaphysical theories of these two luminaries of the Confucian tradition. . . . Ivanhoe draws in masterful strokes the trajectory of the Confucian image of the sage, from the semi-divine creator heroes revered by Kongzi, to Mengzi's human exemplars of perfected self-cultivation, to Wang Yangming's concept of the innate sagehood of every human. --Rene Goldman, Pacific Affairs

Ivanhoe's fine book deserves a wide readership. It will interest scholars of Confucianism as well as those specializing in Chinese intellectual history. Two informative appendices, along with the excellent index (which includes the most important Chinese characters used in the book), make it a useful work for specialists. I also recommend this book to anyone concerned with comparative philosophy and to those currently working in virtue ethics. The latter will find many ideas and arguments within this book that resonate with, and perhaps complement, Western virtue ethics. --Victoria Harrison-Carter, Dao: A Journal of Comparative Philosophy

Book Information
ISBN 9780872205970
Author Philip J. Ivanhoe
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Hackett Publishing Co, Inc
Publisher Hackett Publishing Co, Inc
Weight(grams) 312g