Why Confucianism Is Not Care Ethics

This chapter critically examines an influential version of Confucian feminism widely known as Confucian care ethics. Since 1994 when Confucian philosopher Chenyang Li advanced the Confucian care thesis that Confucian ethics is a form of feminist care ethics, Confucian care ethics has become a predominant position among Confucian feminists. To assess this thesis, it is essential that care ethics, which is the reference point for Li’s Confucian care thesis, be accurately understood. Hence, the chapter starts with an examination of Nell Noddings’s care ethics, which has been considered the most similar to Confucianism in its emphases on the family relation and natural caring. The chapter then lays out Li’s premises for his Confucian care thesis and evaluates main critiques against them. After concluding that Confucian ethics is not care ethics, the chapter briefly suggests a more fruitful path forward for Confucian feminism.