“Confucius and Moral Character,” by D.C. Lau.

Read Article & Answer Questions

1. Many of us were taught to follow the Golden Ruledo unto others as you would have them do unto you. Some have suggested that a different rule that works better in cross-cultural contexts, called the Platinum Ruletreat others the way they want to be treated. What kind of limitations to the Golden Rule are there that the Platinum Rule addresses? Is shu more like the Golden Rule or the Platinum Rule? Do you feel that one rule is more helpful than the other?

2. It is helpful to contrast ethical theories with one another, since seeing the major differences helps give some ideas for evaluating the relative strength of each. Think about whatever code of ethics it is that youve been taught (if youre religious, you might think about what your religion teaches about ethical behavior, the reasons for behaving ethically, and the consequences of not acting ethically). In what ways is your ethical system similar to Confucian ethics? What are some of the important differences?

3. In his writings and discussions with others, Confucius speaks only of men and their ethical character development, but not of women. Does the fact that he leaves out about half of the global population in his writings somehow invalidate his work? Do his observations apply to both sexes equally? Are there parts of his reasoning that rely specifically on the fact that hes speaking only of men, or are his arguments neutral with respect to sex? Suppose someone were to develop an ethics based on the lives and roles of women? How might that system of ethics differ from Confucius?

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