Confucius vs. Aristotle: What the two philosophers teach us about ethics


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  • Confucius and Aristotle are two of history’s most influential philosophers.
  • While their philosophies are distinct, they also have certain analogies that make for obvious points of comparison.
  • By looking at how these philosophies relate, we can find inspiration for how to live better, more ethical lives.   
  • Philosophers relish the challenge of pitting ethical systems against each other to better understand the complexities of morality. Think of the classic showdown between deontology, which champions unwavering rules, and consequentialism, which prioritizes the outcome above all else. Such intellectual duels help us grasp the nuances and limitations of each.
  • But what happens when we put two intricate and ancient ethical systems in conversation with one another? A paper published in Dao takes on this task by shining a comparative light on the wisdom of Aristotle and Confucius, two of the most influential philosophers in history. Their philosophies inspired their historic cultures with profound insights on how to live a virtuous life. Today, more than two millennia later, their teachings still resonate, offering guidance on navigating the complexities of living with clarity and virtue.

  • Confucius and Aristotle

    Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and government official during the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history. After leaving a government post, he traveled to northern China to teach his philosophy. While he could not get any governments to wholly adopt his ideals, some of his students were appointed to government positions, and his views on character, government, and the importance of ritual have become immortalized in the Chinese tradition.

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