Confucian Ethics: a conversation with Dr. Jing Iris Hu

Dr. Ellie Anderson, Philosophy professor and co-host of Overthink podcast, sits down with philosopher Dr. Jing Iris Hu to have a conversation about Confucianism and Confucian ethics. They discuss concepts of self-cultivation and interdependence as they inform and shape Confucian accounts of moral life. Ellie and Dr. Hu also dig into questions such as: What is the Confucian tradition, and why is it (or should it be) called "Confucianism" in the first place? How did ancient Confucian women philosopher Ban Zhao theorize social roles, particularly relationships between women, mothers-in-law, and their families? How did concepts of influence and vulnerability shape Confucian ethical and political philosophy?

Graphics and editing by Aaron Morgan

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok at @overthink_pod

[aboveman]

This was an amazing conversation! I hope Confucius today still invokes the order in heaven on Earth among our philosophers.

[IBEAREA]

I love your channel. Thank you for your efforts

[cesrrr]

get those clip on mics that you attach to the shirts, they aren't expensive and improve the sound dramatically.

[syedaleemuddin]

You need to use good quality sound recording system.

[yacinehoho]

Interesting. Can i just suggest to improve the quality of the sound.

[eqapo]

31:48 "the academy, " "the sophists, " the "pre-confucians and confucians"?

[mysteriousoul]

An important tenet of Confucius' thought is the maintenance of social order. Every human interaction is bound by certain prescribed relationships, such as the ruler and the ruled, father and son, or husband and wife. According to Confucius, people should act toward one another based on their prescribed roles. Violence has no place in these interactions, since each one can promote harmony and peace. Although violence, according to Confucius, may be a justified punishment or predetermined outcome, random acts of violence from passion or anger can never be justified, as they violate humanity's built-in social order and result in disharmony.

[erentahayalcn]

I would have expected a statement of solidarity from you while arrests are happening in universities and philosophy department academics are being detained by the police.