TITLE:
Reviewing the Interpretation of Confucian Destiny Thought from the Perspective of Moral Luck Theory
AUTHORS:
Guolei Wang
KEYWORDS:
Confucianism, Moral Luck, Destiny View, Self-Cultivation
JOURNAL NAME:
Chinese Studies,
Vol.12 No.1,
February
22,
2023
ABSTRACT: Rationalism has been occupying an important position in the
interpretation of Confucian thoughts. However, it faces many limitations from
the view of recent research. The theory of moral luck comes from the reflection
on moral rationalism, emphasizing that the reflection on morality should return
to the living world and pay attention to the context of human life and
practice. This has brought new inspiration for the modern interpretation of
Confucianism, especially the modern interpretation of the Confucian concept of
destiny. The Confucian concept of fate advocates that people understand the “mandate of heaven” through self-cultivation and
moral practice, and bravely undertake the mission they understand. The exploration of the
Confucian concept of destiny is helpful for a deep understanding of important
propositions such as the relationship between heaven and man in Confucianism.