Practical Philosophy West and East

Abstract

This article offers a broad-ranging comparison of practical philosophy in the West and in China with a view to enabling not only better mutual understanding between the two sides but also better self-understanding on each side. Contrary to widespread Western conceptions that Chinese practical philosophy may have contributed some important principles in first-order morality but has contributed little in the area of meta-ethics as compared to the West, it is argued here that Chinese practical philosophy did indeed make important contributions in first-order morality, but that in addition it is generally superior to Western practical philosophy in the area of meta-ethics. There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule on both sides. In the end, therefore, a comparison of the two traditions can contribute not only to a better mutual understanding, but also to a better self-understanding and improvement on each side.