REDISCOVERING CONFUCIANISM: A MAJOR PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE IN EAST ASIA

"The main purpose of this book is to provide both an outline and an appraisal of Confucianism as a system of ideas and beliefs that evolved during the past three millennia and continue to do so." "Its roots are traced back to ancient pre-Confucian times, followed by a detailed examination of the ideas of some forty Confucian thinkers, including those of more recent times." "The book also describes the social context of the evolution of Confucian thought and focuses on the tension between the original meaning of Confucian ideas and their varying ideological functions." "Written by one of Europe's leading Chinese Studies scholars, and with each chapter supported by Further Reading suggestions, this volume offers the general reader, as well as researchers and followers alike, a welcome new and comprehensive evaluation of the development, application and significance of Confucianism through history and of its function and relevance today as one of the world's major intellectual and spiritual traditions."--Jacket.