A Panoramic History of Traditional Chinese Ethics

Abstract

Is there a period in the history of ethical thought that
most vividly captures humanity’s perception of morality? Can
traditional ethical concepts provide meaningful insights into
today’s economic, religious and political challenges? Yi-Ting Zhu
addresses these profound questions in A Panoramic History of
Traditional Chinese Ethics. This work explores the historical
narratives preserved in digital archives, reflecting the economic,
socio-political and religious conditions of ancient China.
Spanning from the West Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BC) to the Qing
Dynasty (1616–1912), the book offers a comprehensive study of
traditional Chinese ethics. Originally written in Chinese, this
translated work consists of seven chapters, including an
introduction, a brief chronology of Chinese history and a
postscript. Beyond examining the development of Chinese ethical
thought, the book also draws comparisons between Chinese and
Western ethical traditions. Yi-Ting Zhu examines Chinese ethics
through sociological and ideological frameworks, tracing its
historical significance in contemporary discourse.