If we are asked what is the single most influential work in Chinese history, the answer will definitely be Lunyu, the Analects . Its influence on the Chinese is comparable to that of the Bible on the Western world. Yet contemporary scholarship tends to trivialize or impoverish Confucius's teaching by denying either the general integrity of his work or the transcendental or religious dimension of his thought. This thesis argues that the Analects should be treated as a generally integrated whole, reflecting the vision of Confucius. An existential reading of the Analects, as this author proposes to do here, has revealed that this foundational text has three organically connected levels of thought, proceeding from self-cultivation, through the mediation of the social to the metaphysical level of Ultimate Reality. These three levels of thought correspond well to the structure and reality of human existence as Paul Tillich interprets them. On the metaphysical level, Dao, the Way, de, virtue, shen, the spirit and ming, destiny are discussed, which proves that Confucius indeed had transcendental concerns. On the social level, three key concepts are emphasized: ren, benevolence, yi, moral rightness, and li, the rites. These three concepts form a hierarchy with ren at the top, yi in the middle and li at the bottom. It is to this social level that Confucius seemed to direct most of his attention. Finally, on the personal level, the concept of ji, self is discussed. In Confucius's conception, the self has physical, psychological and sociological aspects, which have both positive and negative tendencies. Self-cultivation is an effort to overcome negative tendencies inherent in these structures as well as to develop positive attributes such as xue, learning, zhi, wisdom, and yong, courage. I conclude this thesis by stating that because the Analects answers existential needs and offers a practical way to harmonize the individual, society and cosmos, its appeal in the Chinese world will continue and its appeal to non-Chinese will grow.

This is the first book to thoroughly explore Confucian and Neo-Confucian metaphysics and ethics, building upon the creativity and temporality of human existence and human nature as well as their extension into human culture. Fundamental essays deal cogently with the relationship between Chinese language and Chinese philosophy, offering general categories which shape the matrix of ideas woven in Chinese philosophy from its very beginnings. Along with more general characterizations, there are themes placing Confucian thinkers in touch with modern communication theories, perceptions of individuals, religious themes, and scientific worldviews. Conceptual and comparative essays probe the frontiers of Chinese philosophy in its contemporary Confucian revival.

The idea of human dignity is central to any reflection on the nature of human worth. However, the idea is a complex one that also takes on many different forms. This unique collection explores the idea of human dignity as it arises within these many different domains, opening up the possibility of a multidisciplinary conversation that illuminates the concept itself. The book includes essays by leading Australian and International figures.

According to dispositional realism, or dispositionalism, the entities inhabiting our world possess irreducibly dispositional properties – often called ‘powers’ – by means of which they are sources of change. Dispositionalism has become increasingly popular among metaphysicians in the last three decades as it offers a realist account of causation and provides novel avenues for understanding modality, laws of nature, agency, free will and other key concepts in metaphysics. At the same time, it is receiving growing interest among philosophers of science. This reflects the substantial role scientific findings play in arguments for dispositionalism which, as a metaphysics of science, aims to unveil the very foundations of science. The present collection of essays brings together both strands of interest. It elucidates the ontological profile of dispositionalism by exploring its ontological commitments, and it discusses these from the perspective of the philosophy of science. The essays are written by both proponents of dispositionalism and sceptics so as to initiate an open-minded, constructive dialogue.

Chinese Poetry in Times of Mind, Mayhem and Money is a groundbreaking study covering a range of contemporary authors and issues, from Haizi to Yin Lichuan and from poetic rhythm to exile-bashing. Its rigorous scholarship, literary sensitivity and lively style make it eminently fit for classroom use.