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Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science

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Article Open Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2023.02.016

A New Discussion of Confucius’ Determinism

Fangqing Li

1Center for Foreign Literature and Culture, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

2School of Management, Guangdong AIB Polytechnic, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

*Corresponding author: Fangqing Li

Published: March 24,2023

Abstract

Whether Confucius is a determinist or not is controversial in academic circles. The key point is whether Confucius made predeterminate interpretation towards the concept of "ming" (destiny) or "Tian ming" (Heaven’s Decree). Through careful study of Confucius’ sayings on "ming" and "tian ming" in the Analects of Confucius and its classical annotation, it can be found that Confucius inherited the thought of determinism in the Shang and Zhou dynasties. He regarded "Tian" (Heaven) of "Tian ming" as the objective existence dominating all things. The "ming" and "Tian ming" of Confucius have similar meanings in the ancient meaning of ming as "Heaven’s command". Therefore, Confucius was a determinist.

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How to cite this paper

A New Discussion of Confucius' Determinism

How to cite this paper: Fangqing Li. (2023) A New Discussion of Confucius' DeterminismJournal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science7(2), 342-347.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2023.02.016