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Document Details :

Title: Van de roker tot Confucius
Subtitle: Hoe we China beter kunnen begrijpen
Author(s): DEFOORT, Carine
Journal: Tijdschrift voor Filosofie
Volume: 84    Issue: emeritaatsnummer   Date: 2022   
Pages: 185-218
DOI: 10.2143/TVF.84.5.3290717

Abstract :
The dominant tendency in the Western interpretation of China is to evaluate it positively or negatively on the basis of rather vague notions such as Confucianism. The alternative approach would be to specify what this notion means while sharing the currently dominant evaluation. Even though both approaches and their various combinations all have their merits, the latter has been more cultivated in China. As a result, an apparent unanimity in terms of evaluation hides a wide variety of different views and policies. It is worthwhile to be aware of this alternative level of communication when trying to understand and interact with China. This paper explores six contemporary readings of Confucianism as an illustration of currently ongoing debates in China.

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