Fei Xiaotong's view does not reflect that Confucius's benevolence decreases with intimacy. Confucius's benevolence is based on the kind of love for those closest to you, and then radiates love to others in turn
•Does professor Fei Xiaotong's concept of "differentiated love" suggest that Confucians claim a stronger love toward one’s own family, while the love grows thinner to others? How do you understand the extension of love in Confucianism?
The Confucian concept of benevolence emphasizes a love that starts with the close and extends to the distant,from the intimate to the less close.This love is hierarchical and differentiated,but it does not mean that love for non-family members is unimportant or diluted.Confucianism believes that love should begin with the love for one's relatives and then gradually extend to others,ultimately reaching a universal care for all people and even all things.It emphasizes the hierarchy and differentiation of love,but the ultimate goal is to achieve universal care for all people and all things.This love is not simple equality or indifference,but a reasonable difference based on different relationships and situations.
Starting from family love, the extension of love in Confucianism moves outward in concentric circles. At the core is the family, where the strongest bonds are initially formed. Then it extends to friends, which is already an expansion of the love domain. Next, it spreads to the local community. Confucian scholars often played important roles in promoting harmony and care within their local communities. Finally, it reaches the level of "all under heaven" , meaning all of humanity.
Fei Xiaotong's concept does not directly mean that Confucians have stronger love for their own families and thinner love for others, but it has some similarities with the characteristics of Confucian love to a certain extent.
Confucianism advocates "love with distinctions." It believes that love starts from blood relatives, that is, "filial piety and fraternal love are the foundation of benevolence." People have the deepest affection for their parents and siblings, which is the most basic and natural manifestation of love.
The extension of love in Confucianism includes from family to society and from people to things.
Fei Xiaotong's concept of"differentiated love"indeed suggests that Confucians believe in a stronger love for one's own family.This concept aligns with the Confucian idea that love begins at home and should be extended to society and the state,fostering a sense of responsibility and care that grows from the personal to the communal level.
Fei Xiaotong's concept of "graded love" in Confucianism reflects the idea that love and ethical responsibility start strongly with one's family and extend outward in decreasing intensity. This is not about excluding others but about using family relationships as a foundation for learning ethical behavior, which is then extended to broader society. Filial piety, or respect for one's family is key, and the Confucian virtue of ren (benevolence) guides the extension of love and respect to others. The goal is to cultivate a harmonious society where ethical conduct begins in the family and reaches outward to all.
Professor Fei Xiaotong's concept of "differentiated love" does not necessarily imply that Confucians claim a stronger love solely toward one's own family, with the love diminishing towards others. Rather, it reflects a hierarchical approach to love, where love is expressed in varying degrees based on relationships. In Confucianism, the extension of love starts from the immediate family and gradually expands to society at large. It advocates loyalty to the ruler, respect for elders, and kindness to others, suggesting that love should be cultivated and practiced universally, albeit with different emphases according to one's social roles and relationships. Thus, the essence of Confucian love is inclusive and extensible, aiming for harmonious interpersonal relationships and social order.
It reflects the complexity and nuance of love and relationships within a Confucian framework. The extension of love in Confucianism is based on the virtue of ren, encouraging individuals to cultivate a broader and more inclusive sense of love and responsibility that extends beyond their immediate family to society at large.it is not difficult as we imagine.
Confucian "love" is different, according to the relationship between close and distant to distinguish, love for parents must be better than love for good friends, love for good friends must be better than love for ordinary friends. In this way, everyone is in order, and this is the basis of etiquette. We know that we do not have different attitudes to different people, that different people in different positions can stick to their duties, and do not cross the interpersonal relationship of "rites", which Mr. Fei Xiaotong called "differential pattern". It can be seen that the interpersonal relationship is different. The differential pattern emphasizes the sense of hierarchy and distance in interpersonal relationships, with each person being the center of the circle from which their social influence is launched. In the differential pattern, benevolence, as a moral principle, requires people to show different attitudes and behaviors when dealing with interpersonal relationships at different levels.
The differentiated love reflects a nuanced understanding of love and benevolence in Confucianism, which emphasizes hierarchy, roles, and relationships within society. In Confucius's view, loving others begins with loving one's family and then extending that love to members of society beyond blood relations, achieving a broad and inclusive love for all, which is considered a noble form of love.
Confucianism extends family-rooted love to society. After nurturing family bonds, as Confucius taught “loving the people,” one shows kindness to neighbors, colleagues, etc. Practically, it’s by being empathetic and helpful, making society more harmonious.
Love in Confucianism reaches nature too, with the concept of “loving all things.” It sees unity between humans and nature. We respect nature’s cycle, avoid destruction, and cherish its beauty, as all beings are interlinked, fulfilling moral stance.
Confucian love is hierarchical. Closer relations get stronger love first, like family. But as circles widen, love lessens in intensity though doesn’t disappear. In a crisis, we aid family first, then neighbors and community, showing graduated care.
Professor Fei Xiaotong’s concept of “differentiated love” indeed reflects a traditional Confucian view of social relationships, where relationships are hierarchical and based on differing degrees of emotional closeness and obligation. In this concept, love and moral responsibility start from the closest relationships, such as the family, and extend outward to more distant social groups. This is often summarized by the Confucian idea of “li,” which refers to proper behavior in relationships and the performance of one’s role according to one’s place in a hierarchy.
Yes, Professor Fei Xiaotong's concept of "differentiated love" (差序格局, chaxugeju) indeed suggests that love and social obligations are strongest towards one's immediate family and gradually weaken as they extend outward to others. This idea is rooted in Confucian thought, where familial bonds are given the highest priority, and the moral duty to one's family is considered par amount.In Confucianism, this concept is often illustrated through the metaphor of concentric circles, with the self at the center, surrounded by family, extended family, friends, and finally strangers. The closer someone is to the center, the stronger the moral obligation and affection towards them.However, Confucianism also emphasizes the extension of love (爱, ai) beyond the family. This is where the concept of "ren" (仁), often translated as "benevolence" or "humaneness," comes into play. Confucius taught that while love starts with the family, it should ideally extend to others in society, promoting social harmony and ethical behavior. This extension of love is not as intense as familial love but is still significant in maintaining social order and harmony².So, while Confucianism acknowledges a hierarchy in love and moral duties, it also encourages the cultivation of benevolence towards all people, aiming for a balanced and harmonious society.
Understanding "Differentiated Love"
1. Family at the Core: In Confucian thought, the family is the most important unit. Love and obligations are strongest within the family.
2. Gradual Extension: Love and obligations decrease as they extend outward to friends, extended family, community members, etc.
3. Contextual and Relational: The strength of love and obligations depends on the specific relationship and context.
Extension of Love in Confucianism
Love starts with the closest family members and extends outward to broader social groups.
In Confucian thought, the concept of "graded love" indeed exists. This idea means that love is not indiscriminately applied to everyone but varies according to the closeness or distance of relationships. Graded love does not imply unfair treatment of certain individuals but rather emphasizes that responsibilities and obligations in interpersonal relationships are based on different social roles and relation.Confucianism places a high value on family ethics, considering an individual primarily as a member of a family. Therefore, love for one's family members is the most direct and intense. For example, filial piety (xiao) from children towards their parents is seen as a fundamental moral requirement. Confucianism advocates expanding benevolence from the family outward. This means that one should first care for family members, then friends, neighbors, colleagues, and finally, broader community members. This does not mean neglecting strangers but prioritizes the practice of benevolence.Confucianism defines five basic types of human relationships (ruler-minister, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, friend-friend) and sets corresponding responsibilities and expectations for each. These relationships embody different levels of love and respect, such as the intimate love between father and son and the loyalty between ruler and minister.Although there are gradations, the ultimate goal of Confucianism is to cultivate inner virtues (such as ren) so that everyone can show due care and respect toward others. Even love for strangers should exist, albeit possibly to a lesser degree than for those closer.In summary, under the framework of Confucian thought, "graded love" reflects the reality of human emotions and social responsibilities while also encouraging people to continuously improve themselves to achieve a broader spirit of benevolence.
Confucianism's concept of love, often expressed as "ren" (仁), emphasizes family ties but also encourages extending love and compassion to others. It sees love as part of moral virtue, promoting harmony and mutual respect. Professor Fei Xiaotong's "differentiated love" is not directly related to Confucianism's extension of love, which focuses on expanding one's circle of concern to encompass all humanity.
Professor Fei Xiaotong's concept of "differentiated love" indeed suggests a nuanced understanding of relationships and love within the framework of Confucian thought. In this concept, love is not uniformly distributed among all individuals; instead, it is differentiated based on the closeness of one's relationships. This differentiation implies that individuals tend to have a stronger emotional and moral obligation toward their own family members, which gradually extends outward to more distant relatives and ultimately to society at large.
In Confucianism, this hierarchical structure of love reflects the idea that one's primary responsibilities lie with those who are closest to them, such as family (or "xia" in the Confucian context). This is often encapsulated in the traditional virtue of filial piety (xiàoshun), which emphasizes respect, care, and loyalty toward one's parents and ancestors. Love for family is seen as foundational, providing the basis for moral cultivation and social harmony.
Understanding the extension of love in Confucianism, therefore, highlights the interplay between personal relationships and social obligations. The differentiation in love is not meant to suggest that one's love is insincere or lacking for those who are not family; rather, it reflects an ethical framework that recognizes the significance of primary relationships in cultivating virtue and contributing to social order. This perspective encourages individuals to cultivate love and duty within their immediate spheres before extending compassionate acts to the wider community.
The "extension of love" in Confucianism refers to the broad love for others, society and even nature, starting from the love for family. It emphasizes that the starting point is to be filial to parents and love their children. Expansion: Promote the love of family to society, such as "the old man and the old man". Pan love: love everyone and see all brothers in the four seas. Practice: Benevolence is not only an emotion, but also an action, which should be reflected through actual behavior.
Confucianism believes that people's love starts from the family as a center. Filial piety and fraternal love within the family are the starting points. This is a natural and instinctive manifestation of human affection.
However, this does not mean that the love for others outside the family is weak. Confucianism advocates "the extension of love."
In Confucianism, the concept of "differentiated love" (or "love with distinctions") doesn't mean a simple decrease in the degree of love from family to others.
Confucianism believes that people's love starts from the family as a center. Filial piety and fraternal love within the family are the starting points. This is a natural and instinctive manifestation of human affection.
However, this does not mean that the love for others outside the family is weak. Confucianism advocates "the extension of love." The so - called "extension" is like the concentric circles spreading outwards.
Fei Xiaotong's concept of "differentiated love" does not directly correspond to the Confucian view on love, especially when it is interpreted as love growing thinner towards others outside one's immediate family. However, it's interesting to explore how love is viewed and extended in Confucianism, given the rich philosophical and ethical framework of this ancient Chinese tradition.
In Confucianism, love is rooted in the concept of "ren" (仁), which is often translated as humaneness, benevolence, or love. This love starts from a person's immediate family, particularly with filial piety towards parents and respect for elders. It is believed that the love and respect for one's own family members form the foundation for extending this love to others.
The extension of love in Confucianism can be understood through several key ideas:
1. Love Starting from the Family:
• Confucianism emphasizes the importance of the family as the basic unit of society.
• Filial piety and respect for elders are seen as the cornerstones of moral development.
• By cultivating love and respect within the family, individuals are prepared to extend these virtues to society at large.
2. Extending Love to Others:
• Confucianism advocates extending the love and respect initially shown to family members to others in society.
• This is done through the practice of "loyalty and righteousness," which encourage individuals to act with integrity and fairness in their interactions with others.
• The Confucian ideal is to create a harmonious society where everyone is treated with love and respect.
3. Universal Love and the Natural World:
• While Confucianism starts with love for one's family, it does not stop there.
• The Confucian tradition also encourages a sense of stewardship and care for the natural environment.
• This reflects a broader understanding of love that includes all living beings and the natural world.
4. Practical Expression of Love:
• Confucianism emphasizes not just theoretical understanding but also practical expression of love.
• This includes actions such as caring for others, being kind and considerate, and working towards the common good.
In summary, the extension of love in Confucianism is a multifaceted process that starts from the family and extends to others in society and the natural world. It is based on the principles of "ren" (love/benevolence), filial piety, loyalty, and righteousness, and emphasizes practical expression of these virtues in daily life.
As for Fei Xiaotong's concept of "differentiated love," it may refer to a more nuanced understanding of love that acknowledges differences in relationships and the varying degrees of love and affection that people have for different individuals. This concept, however, is not directly derived from Confucianism but rather represents a contemporary perspective on love and relationships.
"Benevolence" as the core concept of Confucian thought, was endowed with rich connotations by Confucius and his later followers. Among them, the concept of "diffebenevolencetiated Benevolence" may not have been directly proposed by traditional Confucianism, but its traces can be traced from the multi-dimensional understanding of "Benevolence" in Confucianism. Here is an exposition of "diffebenevolencetiated Benevolence":
One, The Basic Meaning of "Benevolence"
1. Kindness and benevolence towards others: "Benevolence" first manifests as a caring and kind attitude towards others, which is the most intuitive and basic meaning of "Benevolence".
2. Ancient moral concepts: In ancient times, "Benevolence" was a broad moral concept, with its core being loving others and treating them kindly, encompassing various aspects such as etiquette, loyalty, benevolence, courage, filial piety, respect, and humility.
2. Understanding of "Benevolence with Distinctions"
1. Affectionate Love: Mencius built on Confucius' idea of "loving the virtuous" by proposing the concept of "loving one's relatives and then loving the people, and then loving all things." Here, "loving one's relatives" refers to a special kind of care for one's close family members, which is a specific expression of "benevolence" and also a level of "diffebenevolencetiated benevolence." Because of the existence of blood relationships, family members often have deeper emotional bonds and sense of responsibility, so their care is also deeper.
2. Diffebenevolenceces in Social Roles: In Confucian thought, each person plays a diffebenevolencet role in society, such as a gentleman, a subject, a pabenevolencet, and a child. These diffebenevolencet roles determine the diffebenevolencet guidelines and behaviors that people should follow when practicing "benevolence." For example, a gentleman should set an example by cultivating "virtuousness" and leading social tbenevolenceds; a subject should be loyal to the country and obey laws and regulations, contributing to the
Fei Xiaotong's concept of "differentiated love" refers to the idea that love is distributed differently among different individuals or groups based on their relationship to the self. In Confucianism, the concept of "differentiated love" does not necessarily mean that one loves their own family more and others less. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, while also recognizing the unique bonds and responsibilities within one's own family.In Confucianism, the extension of love is not limited to one's own family but extends to others as well. The concept of "benevolence" (仁, ren) in Confucianism emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect. It is about fostering harmonious relationships and creating a society where people care for one another.
Fei Xiaotong's concept of "differentiated love" aligns with the Confucian idea that love is hierarchical, beginning with one's family and extending outward with decreasing intensity. Confucianism emphasizes graded love, where familial relationships form the foundation of moral cultivation. However, this does not mean neglecting others; rather, it advocates an extension of love (tui en), where care for others builds upon the deep bonds within the family. The goal is to harmonize personal and social relationships through this gradual extension.
Fei Xiaotong, a prominent Chinese sociologist, introduced the concept of "differentiated love" to explain the varying degrees of affection and responsibility individuals feel toward different people in their lives. This concept resonates with Confucian thought, which emphasizes the importance of familial relationships.
In Confucianism, the idea of "differentiated love" aligns with the principle of "ren" (仁), or benevolence, which is often expressed through specific duties and obligations that one has towards various members of society. Confucians advocate for a stronger love and sense of duty towards one's family, particularly parents and ancestors. This is rooted in the belief that familial bonds are foundational to social harmony and moral development.
The extension of love in Confucianism can be understood through the concept of "xiao" (孝), or filial piety, which underscores the importance of respecting and caring for one's parents and elders. From this foundation, love gradually extends outward to include relatives, friends, and ultimately society at large. However, the intensity and nature of this love differ based on relational proximity and social roles.
Thus, while Confucians do emphasize a stronger love for one's own family—often seen as a moral obligation—they also recognize the importance of extending care and benevolence to others. This extension is guided by a sense of moral responsibility rather than an equal distribution of affection. The ideal is to cultivate virtues within oneself that enable one to act with kindness and respect toward all people, but with an understanding that closer relationships entail greater responsibilities.