Ruist traditions of revenge and alternative resources for Ruist-inspired reconciliation

Lauren F Pfister

    Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This chapter describes the nature of questions related to revenge as they appear in certain ancient Ruist scriptures as well as in popular Chinese culture. Chinese forms of revenge generally invoke principles which are known in many other cultures as well: if someone does an evil act which hurts or kills a relative or friend, vengeance requires a response. If acts of revenge were justified on the basis of family honour, judges may rule against vengeful persons on the basis of current penal codes, but then honour their "moral" actions. On this basis of the alternative interpretive traditions within Ruist texts and schools, therefore, the very popular and persistent interests in pursuing revenge within contemporary Chinese culture can be addressed and overcome by means of reference to both classical and traditional forms of Ruist ethics, one that seeks to "overcome evil with humane cultivation".
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationReconciling with the Past
    Subtitle of host publicationResources and Obstacles in a Global Perspective
    EditorsAnnika Frieberg, C.K. Martin Chung
    Place of PublicationLondon
    PublisherRoutledge
    Chapter5
    Pages69-82
    Number of pages14
    Edition1st
    ISBN (Electronic)9781315624631
    ISBN (Print)9781138651722, 9781138367395
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 17 Feb 2017

    Publication series

    NameRoutledge Advances in International Relations and Global Politics
    PublisherRoutledge
    Volume132

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