摘要
Confucianism in Context organizes the tenants of traditional Confucianism and is part of a fresh conceptual interpretation aimed at mapping ancient discourses onto contemporary topics such as： democracy, human rights, and the adoption of Confucian philosophies in societies outside of the realm of East Asia. Running throughout the book is the underlying premise that the vague descriptions and delineations of Confucian philosophy are intentionally made so, in order to foster evolving narratives, varying interpretations, and hermeneutic negotiations. This ability to produce novelty out of enduring philosophical concepts is what Chang and Kalmanson believe to be the reason for Confucianism＇s persistence and existence to this day. In＇ the Song dynasty, for example, debates over whether to reform society through the educational system and taxes, or to develop a new program of cultural and personal transformation and then seek institutional reform, put forth what were novel ideas at the time, that still nevertheless continue to serve as a topic of discussion in modern academic circles. This characteristic of Confucianism is also what allows Li-Hsiang Lisa Rosenlee to propose a hybrid ethical theory for the feminist appropriation of the philosophy of Confucianism, considered by many in the past of being paternalistic or containing sexist views towards women. Such leeway in interpretation, however, also gives way to misuse of the core beliefs of Confucianism, in justifying some things altogether unethical. Such is the case, as Peter Nosco argues, where despite never having been attached to territorial expansion, Confucianism became an accomplice to Japan＇s imperial ambitions （63）. This along with other negative distortions of Confucian traditions is why there is a need to be discerning in dealing with Confucianism and to ensure that the tradition attunes itself to its core texts and concepts, especially as Confucianism undergoes popularization and leaves the realm of serious scholars.
Confucianism in Context organizes the tenants of traditional Confucianism and is part of a fresh conceptual interpretation aimed at mapping ancient discourses onto contemporary topics such as： democracy, human rights, and the adoption of Confucian philosophies in societies outside of the realm of East Asia. Running throughout the book is the underlying premise that the vague descriptions and delineations of Confucian philosophy are intentionally made so, in order to foster evolving narratives, varying interpretations, and hermeneutic negotiations. This ability to produce novelty out of enduring philosophical concepts is what Chang and Kalmanson believe to be the reason for Confucianism＇s persistence and existence to this day. In＇ the Song dynasty, for example, debates over whether to reform society through the educational system and taxes, or to develop a new program of cultural and personal transformation and then seek institutional reform, put forth what were novel ideas at the time, that still nevertheless continue to serve as a topic of discussion in modern academic circles. This characteristic of Confucianism is also what allows Li-Hsiang Lisa Rosenlee to propose a hybrid ethical theory for the feminist appropriation of the philosophy of Confucianism, considered by many in the past of being paternalistic or containing sexist views towards women. Such leeway in interpretation, however, also gives way to misuse of the core beliefs of Confucianism, in justifying some things altogether unethical. Such is the case, as Peter Nosco argues, where despite never having been attached to territorial expansion, Confucianism became an accomplice to Japan＇s imperial ambitions （63）. This along with other negative distortions of Confucian traditions is why there is a need to be discerning in dealing with Confucianism and to ensure that the tradition attunes itself to its core texts and concepts, especially as Confucianism undergoes popularization and leaves the realm of serious scholars.
