Confucianism for the Contemporary World: Global Order, Political Plurality, and Social Action (Suny Series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture)

Discusses contemporary Confucianism’s relevance and its capacity to address pressing social and political issues of twenty-first-century life.

Condemned during the Maoist era as a relic of feudalism, Confucianism enjoyed a robust revival in post-Mao China as China’s economy began its rapid expansion and gradual integration into the global economy. Associated with economic development, individual growth, and social progress by its advocates, Confucianism became a potent force in shaping politics and society in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities. This book links the contemporary Confucian revival to debates—both within and outside China—about global capitalism, East Asian modernity, political reforms, civil society, and human alienation. The contributors offer fresh insights on the contemporary Confucian revival as a broad cultural phenomenon, encompassing an interpretation of Confucian moral teaching; a theory of political action; a vision of social justice; and a perspective for a new global order, in addition to demonstrating that Confucianism is capable of addressing a wide range of social and political issues in the twenty-first century.

“It is noteworthy that the focus of this book is the role of Confucianism for today’s China and for the rest of the world as well. Hence, the exploration of how New Confucianism can become an antidote to the problems of alienation, commodification, and social injustice in modern society has relevance for all of us who live in today’s world.” — Reading Religion