Confucian and Stoic Perspectives on Forgiveness by Sean Mcaleer

Confucian and Stoic Perspectives on Forgiveness by Sean Mcaleer

Confucian and Stoic Perspectives on Forgiveness explores the absence of forgiveness in classical Confucianism and Roman Stoicism as well as the alternatives to forgiveness that these rich philosophical traditions offer. After discussing forgiveness as it is understood in contemporary philosophy, Sean McAleer explores Confucius’ vocabulary for and attitude toward anger and resentment, arguing that Confucius does not object to anger but to its excesses. While Confucius does not make room for forgiveness, McAleer argues that Mencius cannot do so, given the distinctive twist he gives to self-examination in response to mistreatment. Xunzi, by contrast, leaves open a door to forgiveness that Mencius bolted shut. The book then proceeds to the Roman Stoics—Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca—arguing that their distinctive conceptions of value and wellbeing rule out forgiveness, though like the Confucians the Stoics offer alternatives to forgiveness well worth considering. The book ends by comparing the two traditions, arguing that while Stoicism helps us navigate many of the turbulent waters of everyday life, Confucianism enjoys advantages when we interact with those to whom we are bound by ties of affection and intimacy.

Sean McAleer is professor of philosophy at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781793622648
ISBN 10	1793622647
Title	Confucian and Stoic Perspectives on Forgiveness
Author	Sean Mcaleer
Series	Studies In Comparative Philosophy And Religion
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Lexington Books
Year published	2022-09-15
Number of pages	216
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.