Abstract

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Keywords:: Cheng Yi; morality; joy; knowledge; humane; propriety; principleAbout the author and the translator：HUANG Yong; PhD in Philosophy(Fudan University) and Theology(Harvard University); is Professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong(999077); TAO Tao; PhD in Philosophy(Tsinghua University); is Associate Professor at Nanjing Normal University(Nanjing 210023).

Abstract:: This paper focuses on Cheng Yis moral philosophy and its contemporary significance, paying attention to such issues as: the reason why one should be moral; the possibility to be moral; how to be moral; the relation between moral persons and moral society; and moral metaphysics. Correspondingly, these questions are answered through analyzing his basic concepts and ideas, especially joy, knowledge of/as virtue, humane, propriety, and principle. In Cheng Yis perspective, it is a joy to be moral, and everyone should and can be moral. Moreover, there should be different degrees of love for different kinds of people. What is most unique about it is its development of a moral metaphysics as an ontotheological articulation of moral values advocated by classical Confucians.