Confucius: A Guide for the Perplexed

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.

‘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

‘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

A clear and thorough account of Confucius and his ideas, underscoring his relevance to both Chinese people and to people in the West.

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's 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's 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.

1. The Life of Confucius: "A Homeless Dog" \ 2. Morality: Why You Should Not Turn the Other Cheek \ 3. Virtue: How to Love Virtue as You Love Sex \ 4. Moral Education: How to Teach What Can Only be Learned by Oneself \ 5. Filial Piety: Why an Upright Son Does Not Disclose His Father Stealing a Sheep \ Notes \ References \ Index