Abstract
Aristotle’s best human life is attained through theoretical contemplation, and Confucius’ is attained through practical cultivation of the social self. However, I argue that in the best human life for both Confucius and Aristotle, a form of theoretical contemplation must occur and can only occur with an ethical commitment to community life. Confucius, like Aristotle, sees that the best contemplation comes after later-life, greater-learning and is central to ethical and community life. Aristotle, like Confucius, sees the best contemplation as presupposing full ethical commitment to community life. So, I argue for the theses that: (a) on Aristotle’s view, the best human contemplation requires one be fully morally good; (b) on Confucius’ view, to be fully morally good requires the best human contemplation; (c) being fully morally good for both requires commitment to the good of others and the community.
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Walsh, S.D. Contemplation and the Moral Life in Confucius and Aristotle. Dao 14, 13–31 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11712-014-9414-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11712-014-9414-x