Single Idea 23396

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 3. Universalisability]

Full Idea

It is those who are partial in their dealings with others who are the real cause of all the great harms in the world. That is why our teacher Mozi says 'I condemn partiality'.

Gist of Idea

Mozi condemns partiality, which is the cause of all the great harms in the world

Source

Mozi (The Mozi [c.440 BCE], 16), quoted by Bryan van Norden - Intro to Classical Chinese Philosophy 4.II

Book Reference

Norden,Bryan van: 'Intro to Classical Chinese Philosophy' [Hackett 2011], p.53


A Reaction

This is morality as the rule of law, rather than as the result of human affections. He is on the same wavelength as Kant. Mozi was criticising Confucius, who favoured family over strangers.