Neo-Confucianism is a philosophically sophisticated tradition weaving classical Confucianism together with themes from Buddhism and Daoism. It began in China around the eleventh century CE, played a leading role in East Asian cultures over the last millennium, and has had a profound influence on modern Chinese society.Based on the latest scholarship but presented in accessible language, Neo-Confucianism: A Philosophical Introduction is organized around themes that are central in Neo-Confucian philosophy, including the structure of the cosmos, human nature, ways of knowing, personal cultivation, and approaches to governance. The authors thus accomplish two things at once: they present the Neo-Confucians in their own, distinctive terms; and they enable contemporary readers to grasp what is at stake in the great Neo-Confucian debates.This novel structure gives both students and scholars in philosophy, religion, history, and cultural studies a new window into one of the world s most important philosophical traditions.

ContentsPrefaceNote on Abbreviations1. Introduction2. Pattern and Vital Stuff3. Nature4. Heartmind5. Emotions6. Knowing7. Self-Cultivation8. Virtues9. Governance and Institutions10. The Enduring Significance of Neo-ConfucianismTeaching Neo-Confucianism TopicallyTable of Neo-ConfuciansBibliographyGlossary and Index