The History of Why

Concept

3 readings

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Ritual propriety

Concept · 3 readings

Inherited forms can train attention and conduct, but performing them correctly does not by itself establish care.

All readings

3 readings · Title A–Z

  • Guided course · Module 4 · Lesson 18

    Can institutions work without virtuous rulers?

    The Han Feizi proposes standards, offices and incentives that do not depend on a virtuous ruler. The lesson weighs the reliability they promise against what strict control can cost, and its checkpoint returns to the grain store where it began.

  • Guided course · Module 4 · Lesson 15

    How do people become good?

    Mengzi finds moral beginnings in human nature, while Xunzi calls for its deliberate transformation. On either account education has work to do, and neither makes sustained effort unnecessary.

  • Guided course · Module 4 · Lesson 13

    Learning to become humane

    Selected passages of the Analects suggest how learning and ritual might form humane conduct. Why can a correct performance fail to express care, and how can such teachings preserve unequal authority?