Confucianism, Rule‐Consequentialism, and the Demands of Filial Obligations

Abstract

Why should I take care of my aging parents? How far will morality require me to sacrifice for this cause? I will study these questions from the perspectives of Confucianism and rule‐consequentialism. Confucians believe that the continuity of families and the interactions between members of different generations can enhance the integrity of society in the long run. However, since Confucianism may impose extreme demands on its followers, this theory may be problematic. In this paper, I argue that despite its demands, the Confucian doctrines are defensible and are worth upholding. To explain my view, I draw upon rule‐consequentialism and explain how the rule‐consequentialist analysis complements and enhances the Confucian claims. I believe that the consequentialist conception of Confucianism can provide a useful resource for responding to the moral challenge of population aging in the current state of the world.

Perceptions and expectations of filial piety among older Chinese immigrants in Canada

“…This may indicate the flexibility in interpretations of Confucianism. Obedience of parents, for example, can be seen as an ‘Extreme Principle’ (Sin, 2019 a ) or a ‘strong principle’ (Sin, 2019 b ). Nevertheless, in today's Chinese societies, including the Canadian immigrant community, it does not refer to parents’ absolute authority over children, or children's unconditional obedience to parents, or children's obligation to support parents at any cost (Canda, 2013; Yeh et al , 2013; Q Guo et al , 2020).…”

“…In Chinese societies, xiao , or filial piety, conceptualised by Confucius (551–479 BC) as the ‘doctrine of Heaven’ and ‘righteousness of Earth,’ is a guiding principle regulating care and intergenerational relations within Chinese families. Filial piety has been regarded as a traditional Chinese virtue (Chou, 2011; Canda, 2013), the root of a person's character (Sin, 2019 b ) and a way of life (Ng et al , 2002). It encompasses a wide array of expected duties or responsibilities of adult children to their parents, elders and ancestors, including respect, loyalty and care.…”

If Confucius met Scanlon—Understanding filial piety from Confucianism and Contractualism

“…Wee (2014) offers a comparative study between Confucianism and other special theories of filial obligations. Sin (2019a; 2019b) investigates the nature and demands of Contractualist filial obligations, and discusses Confucian filial obligation from the Rule‐Consequentialist viewpoint.…”