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This comprehensive introduction explores the life and teachings of Confucius, and development of Confucian thought, from ancient times to the present today.
* Demonstrates the wisdom and enduring relevance of Confucius's teachings - drawing parallels between our 21st century society and that of China 2,500 years ago, where government corruption, along with social, economic, and technical changes, led thinkers to examine human nature and society
* Draws on the latest research and incorporates interpretations of Confucius and his works by Chinese and Western scholars throughout the centuries
* Explores how Confucius's followers expanded and reinterpreted his ideas after his death, and how this process has continued throughout Chinese history
* Seamlessly links Confucius with our modern age, revealing how his teachings have become the basis of East Asian culture and influenced the West
List of contents
List of Illustrations.
Preface: Why Confucius?
Book Notes.
Chronology.
1. Confucius' World and His Life.
2. Confucius' Teachings I: The Foundation of a Good Person.
3. Confucius' Teachings II: The Foundation of a Good Society and Other Topics.
4. Terms, and Mozi.
5. Opponents.
6. Mencius.
7. Xunzi.
8. Confucians, "Confucian" Texts, and the Qin Dynasty.
9. The Han Dynasty, 206 BCE-220 CE.
10. From the Han to the Tang Dynasties, 220-907 CE.
11. Neo-Confucianism.
12. Confucianism and Modernity.
13. Issues.
Notes.
Glossary of Names and Terms.
Suggestions for Further Reading.
Bibliography.
Index.
About the author
Lee Dian Rainey is Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. She has taught Chinese philosophy for over 20 years, and has published widely in the field.
Summary
This comprehensive introduction explores the life, teachings, anddevelopment of Confucian thought from ancient times to the presentday. Drawing on the latest research and incorporating changinginterpretations of Confucius and his works by Chinese and Westernscholars, the text seamlessly links Confucius with our modern age.
Report
"Thoughtful and even humorous, this is a promising choice for use in a university class but should also prove a helpful resource for experts." (Religious Studies Review, 1 December 2012)
"Confucius and Confucianism: The Essentials is an excellent, well-written, and accessible introduction to the Confucian tradition, eminently suitable for both an undergraduate class and a general readership." (Journal of Chinese Religions, 2012)
"Anyone who comes out of a course based on this book will have not simply an informed sense of Confucius and his legacy but also a critical sense of where that legacy is open to dispute or re-evaluation."
--T. H. Barrett, University of London
"This is an excellent survey of the history of Confucianism, incorporating philosophical issues and development and the received histories of key figures in the tradition."
--Jennifer L Oldstone-Moore, Wittenberg University
