Contemporary "Confucianism" designates a diverse set of philosophical, social, political, and religious approaches that are rooted in traditional East Asia and are playing significant--and increasing--roles in the modern world. "Progressive Confucianism" designates a subset of these approaches, emphasizing the ways that the Confucian tradition has developed throughout the centuries and arguing both that modern Confucianism must continue to develop, and that a properly developed Confucianism has much to contribute to contemporary philosophy and to modern societies. This seminar will explore the background out of which progressive Confucianism has emerged; its distinctive approach and key contributions to Confucianism and to global philosophy more generally; and central criticisms that it has faced, with sources ranging from more conservative (or even fundamentalist) Confucians to liberals and progressives. |