Confucius, Rawls, and the Sense of Justice - by Erin M Cline (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book compares the role of a sense of justice in the ethical and political thought of Confucius and John Rawls. Erin Cline demonstrates that the Analects (the most influential record of Confucius' thought) and Rawls's work intersect in an emphasis on the importance of developing a sense of justice. Despite deep and important differences between the two accounts, this intersection is a source of significant philosophical agreement.

The study does not simply compare and contrast two views by examining their similarities and differences; it also offers a larger argument concerning the reasons why comparative work is worthwhile, the distinctive challenges comparative studies face, and how comparative work can accomplish distinctive and significant ends.

Book Synopsis

This book compares the role of a sense of justice in the ethical and political thought of Confucius and John Rawls. Erin Cline demonstrates that the Analects (the most influential record of Confucius' thought) and Rawls's work intersect in an emphasis on the importance of developing a sense of justice. Despite deep and important differences between the two accounts, this intersection is a source of significant philosophical agreement.

The study does not simply compare and contrast two views by examining their similarities and differences; it also offers a larger argument concerning the reasons why comparative work is worthwhile, the distinctive challenges comparative studies face, and how comparative work can accomplish distinctive and significant ends.

Not only can a comparative study of the capacity for a sense of justice in Confucius and Rawls help us better understand each of their views, but it also can help us to see new ways in which to apply their insights, especially with respect to the contemporary relevance of their accounts.

Review Quotes

". . . A truly outstanding work. The author undertakes a highly original and tremendously exciting comparative analysis of Confucius and John Rawls on the issue of justice. The book is beautifully and carefully argued."-Michael Puett, Harvard University

"Cline has penned a work which combines cutting edge comparative philosophy with substantial empirical research. Her understanding of Confucianism and its relevance in the contemporary world not only enlightens those interested in Chinese political traditions but also provides a substantial resource for moving from political theory to the formulation and implementation of social policy. As such, this book should appeal to a broad audience, including those interested in political theory, ethics, and public policy, as well as those interested in East Asia and comparative philosophy."-Eirik Harris, Underwood International College

"... Erin Cline's comparative study is nuanced, philosophically informed, sinologically sound, and illuminating."-Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

About the Author

Erin M. Cline is Assistant Professor of Theology at Georgetown University.