This Is The Way: Chinese Philosophy Podcast

Episode 19: Zhu Xi on the Unity of the Virtues

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Apr 6, 2025

Dive into the fascinating world of Neo-Confucianism with Zhu Xi's insights on the interconnectedness of virtues. Discover how humaneness serves as the core virtue, much like spring is to the seasons. The discussion highlights the complexity of moral choices, especially in caregiving and ethical dilemmas in medicine. Explore philosophical connections between Zhu Xi and Thomas Aquinas, as well as the intricate balance of wisdom and benevolence in ethical decision-making. It's a captivating exploration of moral philosophy and self-cultivation!

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INSIGHT

Zhu Xi's Significance

Zhu Xi is a systematic Confucian thinker, comparable to Aquinas in Western philosophy.
He offers detailed analyses and technical distinctions, particularly in moral psychology.

insights

INSIGHT

Unity of Virtues

The unity of virtues, a concept in both Western and Confucian thought, suggests virtues are interconnected.
A strong version claims one cannot possess a single virtue without having all others.

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ANECDOTE

Oscar Schindler's Virtue

Oscar Schindler exemplifies compassion by saving lives but was known for his intemperance.
This challenges the idea that having one virtue necessitates possessing all others.

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Philosophical Parallels: Jiu-Chi and Aquinas on the Unity of Virtues

04:27 • 3min

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The Interconnected Virtues of Neo-Confucianism

07:05 • 29min

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The Complexity of Life in Confucian Ethics

36:34 • 3min

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The Unity of Virtues: Wisdom and Benevolence

39:17 • 33min

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The Complexity of Care in Difficult Choices

01:12:03 • 2min

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Ethics in Medicine and Confucian Insights

The Tao Te Ching is a classic Chinese text that presents a way of life aimed at restoring harmony and tranquility. It emphasizes concepts like 'wu wei' (non-action) and living in harmony with the Tao, critiquing excessive ambition and artificial social norms. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and religion, with interpretations spanning centuries.

Mengzi (Mencius)

Mencius

《孟子》是儒家经典之一，记录了孟子与各国君主及官员的对话，讨论了道德、政治哲学等主题。孟子认为人性本善，提出了“四端”理论，即仁、义、礼、智的萌芽。他强调通过教育和环境的影响，可以使这些美德得到发展。《孟子》对后世儒家思想产生了深远影响，尤其是在宋代的新儒家运动中。

Zhu Xi: Selected Writings

P.J. Evanhoe

P. J. Evanhoe's "Zhu Xi: Selected Writings" offers a curated collection of Zhu Xi's work, providing insights into his philosophical contributions to Neo-Confucianism. The selection likely includes key texts on metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy, showcasing the breadth and depth of Zhu Xi's thought. The compilation aims to make Zhu Xi's complex ideas accessible to a wider audience, facilitating a deeper understanding of his influence on Confucianism. The book's organization and annotations likely aid readers in navigating Zhu Xi's intricate arguments and interpretations. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in Neo-Confucianism and the history of Chinese philosophy.

Varieties of Moral Personality

Owen Flanagan

Reshaping Confucianism

Li Chenyang

While specifics aren't available in this context, "Reshaping Confucianism" likely delves into contemporary interpretations and applications of Confucian thought. It probably addresses the relevance of Confucian ethics in modern society and explores potential adaptations or reinterpretations of traditional Confucian principles. The book might engage with criticisms of Confucianism and offer counterarguments or nuanced perspectives. It likely aims to present a comprehensive and updated understanding of Confucianism for a modern audience. The author's expertise in Confucian thought is evident in the book's detailed analysis and insightful interpretations.

The Analects is a classic text that addresses practical issues of life and conduct through dialogues, stories, and anecdotes. Confucius's teachings focus on virtue, happiness, state governance, and human relationships, all based on principles of justice and moderation. Translated by Arthur Waley and introduced by Sarah Allan, this edition remains one of the most influential texts in philosophy even after two and a half millennia.

Zhuangzi

The Zhuangzi is a compilation of writings attributed to Zhuang Zhou and his followers. It consists of 33 chapters, divided into 'Inner Chapters' (chapters 1-7), 'Outer Chapters' (chapters 8-22), and 'Miscellaneous Chapters' (chapters 23-33). The text advocates for embracing spontaneity, accepting the natural order of the universe (the Dao), and living a life free from the constraints of societal norms and conventions. It uses parables, anecdotes, and humorous stories to illustrate the arbitrariness of human distinctions and the importance of living in harmony with nature.

The I Ching or Book of Changes

Cary F. Baynes

Richard Wilhelm

Carl Jung

The I Ching, or Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese text that initially served as an oracle but evolved to merge divination with ethics and philosophy. Richard Wilhelm's translation, rendered into English by Cary F. Baynes, introduces the I Ching to modern readers with clarity and insight. The text comprises 64 hexagrams, each symbolizing distinct life situations and transformations, and explores the interplay between yin and yang. It emphasizes the inevitability of change and the importance of adaptability in life. The book includes extensive commentaries by Wilhelm and a foreword by Carl G. Jung, making it a comprehensive and influential work in Chinese philosophy and culture.

Today's topic is really about two things. First, it's about the claim that many instantiations of one virtue necessarily come packaged with other virtues. For example, you can't have great humaneness or benevolence in your charitable giving to other people unless you also show a certain amount of ritual respect to them. Second, it's about the view that one virtue in particular -- the virtue of humaneness or good caring (ren 仁) -- is more central or fundamental than the others. The Neo-Confucian philosopher Zhu Xi (1130-1200) proposes that we can understand both the unity of virtues and the central importance of humaneness (ren) by thinking about the unity of the seasons and the central importance of the spring for the other seasons. We attempt to unpack these ideas (and some of the relevant seasonal associations) as they are presented by one of the Confucian tradition's most subtle and complicated philosophers.

Many thanks to The Hong Kong Ethics Lab for sponsoring this podcast series.

Want to continue the discussion? Need links to some of the sources mentioned? Go to the support page for this episode on Warp, Weft, and Way.

We thank Lena Li (LI La 李拉 ) for her expert editing and sound engineering. We also thank the blog Warp, Weft & Way for hosting the discussion for this episode.

Want to skip to the episode's primary philosophical issue? Go to
- 15:44: part II

Co-hosts:
Richard Kim's website
Justin Tiwald's website

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