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Introduction to Confucian Psychology: Background, Content, and an Agenda for the Future

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  • James H. Liu

Abstract

Psychology has a pervasive but shallow engagement with Confucian philosophy, mainly referencing its popular form as a part of Chinese tradition. This special issue takes a more systematic view of Confucianism as comprehensive philosophy. Drawing from New Confucianism, it is argued that the signal contribution of Confucianism to psychology as human (rather than natural) science is an ontology of the moral mind (heaven and humanity in union). This holistic ontology makes the cultivation of benevolence (ä» ) a lifelong mission for Confucianists. Practices of self-cultivation are exemplified by a case study of Zeng Guofan, a Qing Dynasty official and scholar, who combined academics, calligraphy, meditation, diary writing and self-reflection to refine his character, nurture and educate his family, and be of service to society. Second, Confucianism’s traditional lack of interest in epistemology is addressed through the complementary (dialectical) principle of ‘one principle, many manifestations’, where methods of Western science can be incorporated into the investigation of practices such as brush calligraphy that are shown to have beneficial effects on mental and physical health. Confucianism can also be treated as an object of scientific inquiry: We find that even among highly educated Chinese people, understanding of Confucianism today is mostly fragmented and abstract. Confucian Psychology can be summarised as a psychology of aspirations for bettering the condition of humanity through character development and greater awareness of the situation to realise the endowment of moral mind. Finally, there are deep connections between Confucian and Indian psychology—both involve height psychology, a psychology of aspirations and for spiritual transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • James H. Liu, 2021. "Introduction to Confucian Psychology: Background, Content, and an Agenda for the Future," Psychology and Developing Societies, , vol. 33(1), pages 7-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:psydev:v:33:y:2021:i:1:p:7-26
    DOI: 10.1177/0971333621990447
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Henry S. R. Kao & Min Xu & Tin Tin Kao, 2021. "Calligraphy, Psychology and the Confucian Literati Personality," Psychology and Developing Societies, , vol. 33(1), pages 54-72, March.
    2. Pi-Chi Han, 2013. "Confucian Leadership and the Rising Chinese Economy," Chinese Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(2), pages 107-127, March.
    3. Dharm P. S. Bhawuk, 2021. "Building Cultural Bridges Between China and India," Psychology and Developing Societies, , vol. 33(1), pages 103-120, March.
    4. Tian Xie & Jue Zhou & James H. Liu & Can-can Liao, 2021. "How Does a Historical System of Meaning Weigh on the Present? Social Representations of Confucianism and Their Role in Young Chinese Lives in the People’s Republic of China," Psychology and Developing Societies, , vol. 33(1), pages 73-102, March.
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    1. Dharm P. S. Bhawuk, 2021. "Building Cultural Bridges Between China and India," Psychology and Developing Societies, , vol. 33(1), pages 103-120, March.

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