Confucian and Stoic Perspectives on Forgiveness

Confucian and Stoic Perspectives on Forgiveness explores the absence of forgiveness in classical Confucianism and Roman Stoicism and offers alternatives to forgiveness. Sean McAleer argues that Confucius does not object to anger but to its excesses, while Mencius cannot do so due to his twist on self-examination. Xunzi leaves open a door to forgiveness that Mencius bolted shut. The book then proceeds to the Roman Stoics, who argue that their distinctive conceptions of value and wellbeing rule out forgiveness but offer alternatives worth considering. The book ends by comparing the two traditions, arguing that Stoicism helps us navigate many of the turbulent waters of everyday life, while Confucianism enjoys advantages when we interact with those to whom we are bound by ties of affection and intimacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Confucian and Stoic Perspectives on Forgiveness explores the absence of forgiveness in classical Confucianism and Roman Stoicism, as well as the alternatives to forgiveness offered by these rich philosophical traditions. Sean McAleer examines 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 contends that Mencius cannot do so due to his unique approach to self-examination in response to mistreatment. Xunzi, on the other hand, leaves open a door to forgiveness that Mencius bolted shut. The book then moves to the Roman Stoics—Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca—arguing that their distinctive conceptions of value and wellbeing rule out forgiveness, but like the Confucians, the Stoics offer alternatives to forgiveness worth considering. The book concludes by comparing the two traditions, suggesting that while Stoicism helps us navigate many of the turbulent waters of everyday life, Confucianism offers advantages when interacting with those to whom we are bound by ties of affection and intimacy.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793622648