Name: The Analects
Author: Confucius
ISBN: 9780199540617

The Analects

Confucius

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Author Description

Few individuals have shaped their country's civilization more profoundly than the Master Kong, better-known as Confucius (551-479 BC). His sayings and those of his disciples form the foundation of a distinct social, ethical, and intellectual system. They have retained their freshness and vigor throughout the two and a half millennia of their currency, and are still admired even in today's China.This lively new translation offers clear explanatory notes by one of the foremost scholars of classical Chinese, providing an ideal introduction to the Analects for readers who have no previous knowledge of the Chinese language and philosophical traditions.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Menrva's Summary

THE THESIS

The Analects serves as the foundational text for Confucian thought, investigating the core principles of ethical conduct, social harmony, and the cultivation of virtue. Confucius, a seminal figure in Chinese history, presents these teachings through a collection of aphorisms and dialogues recorded by his disciples. The text functions as a guide for personal development and governance, emphasizing the importance of ritual, filial piety, and the pursuit of wisdom within a structured social hierarchy. This edition utilizes scholarly translation and contextual notes to bridge the gap between ancient Chinese philosophy and contemporary readers.

THE SCOPE MAP

What You Will Find

A comprehensive collection of sayings and dialogues attributed to Confucius and his immediate followers.
Explanatory notes detailing the historical and cultural context of classical Chinese society.
Philosophical frameworks regarding the role of the individual within the family and the state.
An introduction by a leading scholar providing historical background on the Master Kong and his influence.

THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE

Experts and scholars consistently identify this volume as a primary entry point for those seeking to understand the bedrock of East Asian intellectual history. Readers frequently note that the inclusion of extensive explanatory notes makes the dense, aphoristic nature of the original text accessible to those without prior knowledge of the subject matter.

Page Count:
110

Publication Date:
2008-01-01

Publisher:
Oxford Univ Pr

ISBN-10:
0199540616

ISBN-13:
9780199540617

Philosophy

History

Classics

Ethics