Yi
Topic: Philosophy
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In Chinese philosophy, yi (simplified Chinese: 义; traditional Chinese: 義; pinyin: yì) refers to righteousness, justice, morality, and meaning.
Confucianism
In Confucianism, yi involves a moral disposition to do good, and also the intuition and sensibility to do so competently.[1][2] Yi represents moral acumen which goes beyond simple rule following, involving a balanced understanding of a situation, and the "creative insight" and decision-generating ability necessary to apply virtues properly and appropriately in a situation with no loss of sight of the total good.[2]
Yi resonates with Confucian philosophy's orientation towards the cultivation of benevolence (ren) and ritual propriety (li).
In application, yi is a "complex principle" which includes:[2]
- skill in crafting actions which have moral fitness according to a given concrete situation;
- the wise recognition of such fitness;
- the intrinsic satisfaction that comes from that recognition.
Daoism
The Zhuangzi discusses the relationship between yi (righteousness) and de (virtue). [3]
See also
References
- ↑ Archie (2000).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Cheng (1972), p. 271.
- ↑ Watson (1968), pp. 105-6.
Bibliography
- Archie, Lee C. (30 October 2000). "The Main Concepts of Confucianism". Lander University. http://philosophy.lander.edu/oriental/main.html.
- Cheng, Chung-ying (July 1972), "On yi as a universal principle of specific application in Confucian morality", Philosophy East and West 22 (3): 269–280, doi:10.2307/1397676
- Watson, Burton (1968). The complete works of Chuang Tzu.. New York: Columbia University Press. ISBN 9780231031479.
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