Fusion of Chinese and Western Wisdom---Synthesis of Chinese and Western philosophy by Liangzhi Gao

Author:Liangzhi Gao
Language: eng
Format: epub

In the book written by David Hume（1711-1776） An Enquiry Concerning the Principle of Morals,there is a special chapter —:

Of Benevolence

The word “Benevolence” has basically the same meaning as Kindhearted Love

But ,looking Western moral philosophy as a whole, Justice ,other than Kindhearted Love ,is the most important moral idea in it.

Justice is either a moral idea or a political idea. In fact ,it is difficult to separate moral philosophy from political philosophy completely.

The idea of Justice strides across moral philosophy and political philosophy.

Ancient Greek philosophers took Justice as the highest morality.

Plato ,in his book The Republic,stated in detail his opinion of Man’s Good and Four Virtues.

He presented the theory of three division of the soul: Man’s soul is composed of three components—reason,passion and desire. The coordination of these three components produces Man’s four virtues:

Wisdom,Temperance , Courage and Justice.

Plato pointed out that if a man has a suitable combination of reason ,passion and desire;his passion and desire are guided by his reason,then he is a man of justice.

It may be seen that in Plato’s opinion, Justice is the synthesis of wisdom,temperance and courage. Justice is placed at the top location in four virtues.

In 18 century, David Hume(1711-1776) also paid high attention to Justice. In his book An Enquiry Concerning the Principle of Morals ,there is a special chapter titled “Of Justice”. He said ;

The use and tendency of that virtue(Justice) is to procure happiness and security, by preserving order in society.

Hence justice derives its usefulness to the public: And hence alone arises its merit and moral obligation.

Hume pointed out the importance of Justice to human happiness.He regarded Justice as the origin of Man’s merit and morality.

The famous economist Adam Smith （1723-1790）,in his book The Theory of Moral Sentiments,wrote a special chapter “Of Justice and Beneficence”. His opinions were:

Beneficence comes from Man’s heart.Beneicent behaviors should be encouraged. But it should not be forced to do by everyone.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.