Concise History of Confucianism

Overview

This book is a readable and insightful analytical work that steadily traces and analyzes the historical development of Confucianism in China. This book is structured chronologically and discusses the developing positions of Confucianism across different periods in the Chinese history.

Content Focus

Each chapter focuses on a number of key questions and perspectives pertaining to Confucian thoughts and ideas, for example, Benevolence and Propriety in Pre-Qin Confucianism, studies of Mencius and Xunzi, and Dong Zhongshu of the Han Dynasty. In addition, this book pays special and extensive attention to ideas of New Confucianism, its concepts, and formation.

Style and Purpose

This book is written in a simple yet comprehensible style. It aims to broaden and deepen studies of Confucianism via its stage-by-stage discussion about the historical development of Confucian thoughts. Both academic specialists and ordinary readers will find the book helpful and inspiring in its clear and vivid delineation, analysis, and debate about the essence, function, and role of Confucianism in traditional and modern societies alike.