Tag: chinese
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Zhang Zai: Architect of Neo-Confucian Metaphysics
Slide 1: Title Slide – “Zhang Zai: Architect of Neo-Confucian Metaphysics” “Heaven is my father and Earth is my mother, and even such a small creature as I finds an intimate place in their midst… All people are my brothers and sisters, and all things are my companions.” Let that sink in for a moment.…
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Xunzi: The Architect of Confucian Order
Slide 1: “Xunzi: The Architect of Confucian Order” You know what’s funny about philosophy? We tend to remember the optimists. The ones who tell us we’re fundamentally good, that virtue comes naturally, that humanity is basically on the right track. Those are the philosophers who get statues, whose names become household words. And then there’s…
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Han Fei – The Architect of Legalism
Slide 1: Han Fei – The Architect of Legalism Alright, here’s a question that should make you uncomfortable: Can you run a government without good people? Not “should you” – can you? Can a society function, can it be stable, can it be just, if the people in charge aren’t particularly virtuous? If they’re not…
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The Philosophy of Mozi: China’s First Consequentialist Thinker
SLIDE 1: Title Slide – “The Philosophy of Mozi: China’s First Consequentialist Thinker” Alright, here’s the thing – when most people think about ancient Chinese philosophy, they immediately jump to Confucius, maybe Laozi and the Taoists. But there’s this absolutely fascinating figure who gets overlooked, and honestly? That’s a tragedy. Because Mozi – this guy…
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The Philosophy of Lao-zi: The Ancient Sage of the Dao
Slide 1: Title Slide – “The Philosophy of Lao-zi: The Ancient Sage of the Dao” Alright, let’s talk about one of the most mysterious figures in the history of philosophy. Look at this title: “The Ancient Sage of the Dao.” Now, I want you to imagine something. It’s the 6th century BCE. China is in…