William Temple’s Views on Confucianism from the Perspective of Global History

Shuang  Wu; Zeng  Shu

doi:10.54691/wqs61r62

Authors

Shuang Wu
Zeng Shu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/wqs61r62

Keywords:

William Temple; Confucianism; Governance Principle; Global History.

Abstract

This article explores the seventeenth–century English politician William Temple’s views on Confucianism, possible sources for his knowledge of China and fundamental reasons for his extolment of Confucian thoughts. Temple has discussed Confucian thoughts and Chinese governance principles in various essays, deeming Confucius as the model of reason and virtue, praising the governance principle of “rule by virtue”, and viewing Confucianism as an effective response to Europe’s political crisis. Re-examining Temple’s interpretation and acceptance of Confucian thoughts is conducive to clarifying the influence of Confucianism on early modern Europe and understanding the intricate mechanism of cultural connectivity and exchange in early global history.

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