Basic Writings of Mo Tzu, Hsun Tzu, and Han Fei Tzu

by Watson, Burton

• ISBN13: 9780231025157
• ISBN10: 0231025157
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1967-11-01
• Publisher: Columbia Univ Pr

Summary

Mo Tzu, Hsün Tzu, and Han Fei Tzu were three of the most important philosophers in ancient China. This collection of their basic writings points to three very different positions within in the spectrum of Chinese thought and reveals the diversity of of the Chinese intellectual tradition. Presenting the principle doctrines of Mo Tzu (470­391 B.C.) and his followers, early rivals of the Confucian school, this section includes writings on music, fatalism, Confucians, and "universal love" -the cornerstone of Mo-ist philosophy Hsün Tzu (born ca. 312 B.C.) provided the dominant philosophical system of his day. Although basically Confucian, he differed with Mencius by asserting that the original nature of man is evil, and also expounded on such subjects as good government, military affairs, Heaven, and music. Representative of the Fachia, or Legalist, school of philosophy, the writings of Han Fei Tzu (280?­233 B.C.) confront the issues of preserving and strengthening the state through strict laws of punishment and reward. His lessons remain timely as scholars continue to examine the nature and use of power.

Table of Contents

Introduction Honoring the Worthy Identifying with One's Superior Universal Love Against Offensive Warfare Moderation in Expenditure Moderation in Funerals

The Will of Heaven Explaining Ghosts Against Music Against Fatalism Against Confucians

Index

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