Mohism
Fraser, Chris,
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy,
Sept 09, 2024
Almost contemporary to Confucius and one of the most famous of the Chinese philosophers we in the west seldom hear about, Mozi was the founder of a philosophical school of ethics and political philosophy based on order and good government. He writes, "Those in the world who perform tasks cannot do without models (fa) and standards. There is no one who can accomplish their task without models and standards." However, "of these three, parents, teachers, and rulers, none is acceptable as a model for order." He argues for a roughly consequentialist approach, a "normative theory based on equal, impartial concern for the welfare of all," and as Chris Fraser reports in this newly revised encyclopedia entry, "moral education is regarded as akin to teaching a practical skill, such as how to speak a language. It is accomplished primarily by emulating the judgments and conduct of moral exemplars." See also Mohist Canons and School of Names by the same author, and also The Ethics of Mozi: Social Organization and Impartial Care, from 1000-word Philosophy.
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