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Mozi Assignments
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September 24
[Reading: Mozi: Basic Writings, "Honoring the Worthy (I and II)," pp. 18-33, "Identifying with One's Superior (I)," pp. 34-38, "Universal Love (III)," pp. 39-49, and "Against Confucians (I)," pp. 124-136.]
- Mozi: Man, School, Text.
- Who is text written by, and who for? Who would benefit from it?
- Hierarchy.
- What similarities and differences with the Analects have you noticed already?
- On p. 35, fn. 1, Watson suggests that the question of who originally selected people as "worthy" may be a problem for Mozi. Is it?
- Universality.
- What is Mozi's basic argument for universality? (See pp. 34-5.)
- Are you convinced by Mozi's argument on pp. 41-2? Why or why not?
September 26
[Reading: "Moderation in Funerals (III)," pp. 65-77, "The Will of Heaven (I and II)," pp. 78-93, "Against Music (I)," pp. 110-116.]
- Utilitarianism and reform.
- Li (benefit).
- Consider the li standard that Mozi employs in these chapters. Would you accept it? Could you imagine someone not? On what grounds? Is it at all ambiguous as to what it endorses?
- What differences can you see between the kinds of standards represented by li and ren [rvn]?
October 1
[Reading: "Explaining Ghosts (III)," pp. 94-109, "Against Fatalism (I)," pp. 117-123.]
- Mozi's "pragmatic" language.
- Does Mozi think ghosts, spirits, gods exist?
- Do you think that Mozi gives us good evidence for not believing in fate? Does he give us good reasons for not being fatalistic?
October 3
Catch-up day; Reading TBA
| Copyright 1999-2005
Stephen C. Angle
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