Abstract

In this dissertation, I try to explore the foundation for a rational reconstruction of Confucian ethics. I examine the conceptual limitations of using the ethics of autonomy for reconstructing Confucian ethics. I argue not only that ethics of autonomy has its own difficulties, but also that its conception of human nature is incompatible with the spirit of Confucian ethics. Therefore, I attempt to use perfectionism to reconstruct Confucian ethics, and try to show the affinity between perfectionism and Confucian ethics