The Tao Encounters the West: Explorations in Comparative Philosophy

Examines liberal democracy and Confucianism as two value systems and argues for a future where both coexist as independent value systems in China.

The relation between liberal democracy and Confucianism is explored by author Chenyang Li as he argues for a Chinese future where both coexist as independent value systems. This relationship is shown through a comparative study of Chinese and Western ideas and philosophies of being, truth, language, ethics, religion, and values. The book covers a wide range of philosophers and philosophies, including Aristotle, Zhuang Zi, Heidegger, Confucius, Kripke, and feminist care ethics. Li shows how a comparative approach to different patterns of thinking in Chinese and Western traditions sheds light on the intelligibility of Chinese multiple ethico-religious practice, which in turn supports the claim that democracy and Confucianism can coexist as independent value systems. In addition, Li's comparative study of different patterns of thinking in Chinese and Western traditions sheds light on the "harmony" model of Chinese philosophy and culture.

Chenyang Li is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Monmouth College.