In the book's lead essay, Sungmoon Kim offers a comprehensive analysis of Confucian power. Through a blend of philosophical, political, and historical analysis, Kim challenges the dominant idea that Confucianism is primarily centred on virtue ethics. Instead, he argues that Confucianism perceives power through the prism of responsibility. Kim not only traces this perspective throughout history but also demonstrates its relevance to contemporary society. He contrasts this Confucian perspective with Western political theory's view of power as control. Political theorists and philosophers will offer essay responses to Sungmoon Kims provocation, offering a dialogue approach to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Confucian conception of power. -- .
Part I Lead essay
1 A Confucian theory of power Sungmoon Kim
Part II Responses
2 Is Confucian active citizenship too demanding? Stephen C. Angle
3 Power as a conceptual tool: From a Confucian relational perspective
Sor-hoon Tan
4 Power, responsibility, and structural injustice Sharon R. Krause
5 Confucius and Americas comic book heroes: Great power as great
responsibility Rogers M. Smith
6 Responsibility and meritocracy Zhuoyao Li
7 Meritocracy, democracy, and power David B. Wong
Part III Reply
8 Reply to commentators Sungmoon Kim -- .
Sungmoon Kim is Chair Professor of Political Philosophy at the City University of Hong Kong -- .
