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International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Book | Chapter

193253

Jaspers meets Confucius

Charles Courtney

pp. 203-209

Abstract

I place Jaspers' discussion of Confucius in the context of his project of writing a universal history of philosophy. But I say that Jaspers meets Confucius because he acknowledges the critical scholarship about dating and the authenticity of the texts attributed to Confucius and then goes on to form a picture of his subject that he claims has all its original freshness. Philosopher meets philosopher. I consider to what extent Confucius is a representative of the Axial Age. Jaspers emphasizes how Confucius gives priority to existential enactment over mere form. I suggest that the role of custom and ritual for Confucius is played for Jaspers by philosophical communication. Finally, I compare them as public figures.

Publication details

Published in:

Wautischer Helmut, Olson Alan, Walters Gregory J. (2012) Philosophical faith and the future of humanity. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 203-209

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-2223-1_18

Full citation:

Courtney Charles (2012) „Jaspers meets Confucius“, In: H. Wautischer, A. Olson & G. J. Walters (eds.), Philosophical faith and the future of humanity, Dordrecht, Springer, 203–209.