Principle of Progressive Humanity (Departmental Seminar)

Abstract:

In philosophical inquiry, we follow established principles. We follow the principle of charity, by which we interpret a speaker’s statements in the most rational way possible and, in the case of any argument, considering its best, strongest possible interpretation. We follow the principle of humanity, which requires us to make sense of an idea or text by attributing to the idea holder “the propositional attitudes one supposed one would have oneself in those circumstances” (Dennett 1989). In developing Confucianism in the 21st century, I propose a principle of progressive humanity.  On this enhanced principle, we should not only make sense of ancient thinkers by placing them under their own historical circumstances as prescribed by the principle of humanity, but also expand their ideas on the basis of their overall philosophical dispositions in response to modern sensibilities. That is, from an ancient thinker’s general attitude and philosophical framework, we propose new views that someone sharing such attitude and framework may come to hold under modern circumstances.

Delivered in English.
All are welcome.