Confucian Post-Liberalism

This paper reviews parallel attacks on the ethical basis of liberal principles from within and without that tradition, one the Confucian-Kantian perspective of contemporary philosopher Li Zehou 李澤厚 and the other the un-Kantian “post-liberalism” of John Gray. Both reject foundational claims regardin...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Robert Anthony Carleo III
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Ljubljana Press (Založba Univerze v Ljubljani) 2020-01-01
Series:Asian Studies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.uni-lj.si/as/article/view/8543
Description
Summary:This paper reviews parallel attacks on the ethical basis of liberal principles from within and without that tradition, one the Confucian-Kantian perspective of contemporary philosopher Li Zehou 李澤厚 and the other the un-Kantian “post-liberalism” of John Gray. Both reject foundational claims regarding the universality of liberal values and principles while still affirming the universal value of those principles via their practical function in fostering for human flourishing. I point out that Gray’s anti-foundationalist liberalism not only aligns with the Confucian elements of Li Zehou’s theory, but may even be enriched by them.
ISSN:2232-5131
2350-4226