Confucius: A Guide for the Perplexed

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Of the three main teachings in Chinese culture, Confucianism has exerted the most profound and lasting influence in China.While Confucianism (a term coined by Westerners) refers to a tradition (Ruism) that predated Confucius, it is most closely associated with Confucius (551-479 BCE), who determined its later development. Confucius' ideas are reflected in his conversations with students, mostly recorded in the Analects. However, this book also brings into discussion those sayings of Confucius that are recorded in other texts, greatly expanding our perspective of the original Confucius. Scholars in the past, unsure about the authenticity of such sayings, have been reluctant to use them in discussing Confucius' view. However, recent archaeological findings have shown that at least some of them are reliable. Confucius: A Guide for the Perplexed is a clear and thorough account of authentic Confucius and his ideas, underscoring his contemporary relevance, not only to Chinese people but also to people in the West.

Reviews

A fair and thoughtful overview of Confucius's philosophy by a scholar who has worked with the relevant texts for many years. A particular strength of the book is the author's sensitivity to current problems in philosophy, especially ethics; through sympathetic reading and argumentation, Huang shows that Confucian ideas are as relevant today as in the past.' -- Paul Goldin, Professor of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Yong Huang's book is a wonderful, lively introduction to Confucianism. Huang addresses basic questions about Confucius and his views, but his treatment of them invites much more than basic understanding, discussing both Confucius and the tradition of interpreting him with rich complexity and sophistication. Huang does not shrink from deep scholarly issues but addresses them in a way both beginners and scholars will appreciate, providing a range of interpretive views in a remarkably accessible and engaging way.' -- Amy Olberding, Associate Professor of Philosophy at University of Oklahoma, USA
This is the best historical and philosophical introduction to Confucius for today's readers. Clearly written, Confucius' ethical teaching is vividly presented in dialogue with the Chinese exegetic tradition and western philosophers, both classical and modern. This is a must-read. -- Vincent Shen, Lee Chair in Chinese Thought and Culture in the Department of Philosophy and Department of East Asian Studies at University of Toronto, Canada
The Analects is a text that perplexes even the most sophisticated reader. While no one will exhaust the creative puzzlement of the Analects, Huang's work goes a long way to show why perplexity can foster genuine moral reflection and action. -- John Berthrong, Associate Professor of Comparative Theology at Boston University, USA
Yong Huangs Confucius: A Guide for the Perplexed is a unique introduction to early Confucian thought from the perspective of comparative analytic philosophy . . . Huang makes liberal use of both Confucian commentators and modern philosophersChinese and Western. It is really a tour de force of comparative philosophy. -- Joseph A. Adler, Kenyon College * Journal of Chinese Religions *
Amid a sea of translations and introductions aimed at the novice or nonspecialist reader, Huangs short topical survey of key themes in the Confucian Analects stands out as an island of elegance, concision, and erudition. -- Jeffrey L. Richey, Berea College * Religious Studies Review *

Author Bio

Yong Huang is Professor of Philosophy at Kutztown University, USA, and Visiting Zijiang Chair Professor of Philosophy at East China Normal University, China; he is also Editor of Dao: A Journal of Comparative Philosophy.