Mencius contribution to philosophy

This is an introduction to the Dao Companion to the Philosophy of Mencius. It provides a brief account of the life of Mencius, discusses the issue of the authorship of the Mencius, and describes the salient features of Mencius’s philosophy and its influence in the history of Chinese philosophy. Historically, Mencius’s influence spans the classical Pre-Qin period to the present. Philosophically, the Mencius has inspired the examination of issues in social and political thought, ethics and epistemology, moral development and moral psychology.

1. 1.

   For other recent translations, see Van Norden (2008), and Bloom (2011).

2. 2.

   More concisely and rhythmically in Chinese: 老吾老，以及人之老，幼吾幼，以及人之幼. See China Times 2022a: https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20220602000018-260407?chdtv

3. 3.

   See https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20220613000978-260407?chdtv

4. 4.

   Confucianism was strongly attacked both during and following the May Fourth Movement of 19

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   Jul 24, 2010 © Ulrich Theobald

   Mengzi 孟子 "Master Meng" is a collection of stories of the Confucian philosopher Meng Ke 孟軻 (385-304 or 372-289 BCE, latinized as "Mencius") and his discussions with rulers, disciples and adversaries. It is part of the Confucian Canon as one of the Four Books (Sishu 四書).

   孟子	Mengzi	"Master Meng"
   續孟子	Xu Mengzi	"Supplement to Master Meng"
   孟子外書	Mengzi waishu	"The Outer Book of Master Meng"

   Master Meng Ke

   Master Meng was an adherent of the Confucian tradition transmitted by Zisi 子思 (Kong Ji 孔伋), a grandson of Confucius, and lived in the mid-4th century BCE, during the Warring States period 戰國 (5th cent.-221 BCE). Mengzi, courtesy name Ziyu 子輿 or Ziju 子居, hailed from the small state of Zou 鄒 (modern Zouxian 鄒縣, Shandong). His father died when he was still a child. Mengzi's mother (called "Meng Mu" 孟母) is traditionally venerated as an example of excellent virtue. She moved their home three times in order to live in a better neighbourhood, and it was herself who taught the young Meng Ke the first lessons of virtuous behavi