Title

The Confucian Conception of Persons

Keywords

Confucianism, Fingarette, persons, role-bearing persons, Rosemont, Strawson.

Abstract

One interpretation of classical Confucianism postulates a role-bearing theory of the person. This theory identifies a fundamental social nature manifest through human relations and ceremonial interactions as the central feature of persons. Against this role-bearing model, I argue that the theory is out of harmony with the Confucian texts and that it lacks philosophical plausibility. I offer the alternative interpretation that the Confucian view of the person is roughly compatible with the seminal theory of persons presented by P.F. Strawson.

Original Publication Citation

Mower, Gordy. “The Confucian Conception of Persons.” Appraisal 9.12 (2012): 29-32.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012-3

Publisher

Appraisal

Language

English

College

Humanities

Department

Philosophy

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

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