The Concept of Li (理) in Confucianism

The Uniqueness of Japanese Confucianism — Part 1

Photo by Denise Bossarte on Unsplash

Series Introduction

Confucianism has never been limited geographically to China. It has influenced the intellectual traditions of practically every nation in Asia; an influence which can be seen even today.

Japan is no exception.

In this series of essays I will argue that, while Japan has been influenced by Chinese Confucianism, Japan has not simply bought wholesale into the tradition but rather has developed a uniquely Japanese form of Confucianism.

This uniquely Japanese form of Confucianism is noticeable with regard to the idea of li (理 , ri in Japanese).

In this three part series I will:

1. Provide a brief description of the historical development of li in Chinese Confucianism,
2. Look at Ito Jinsai’s and Ogyū Sorai’s interpretation and critique of li in Confucianism
3. Through comparison of the Chinese and Japanese interpretations of li, argue for the uniqueness of Japanese Confucianism.

Let us turn to part 1.