On Valuing What is Fittin, The Guidang Chapter of the Lushi Chunqiu and Solving Moral Problems

Abstract

Are there material and moral connections between wealth and moral values? Do people require a certain level of material well-being to be moral? Can people choose freely to abide by moral values when their physical or material well-being are in jeopardy? Can people be expected to follow moral values when their self-interests would be advanced by not adhering to moral values? Does technology create impersonal relationships that make immoral acts easier to perform? Can ethical reasoning be taught? This paper explores insights from ancient China, especially the Lüshi Chunqiu, to argue that moral education is an ongoing developmental process that people must constantly cultivate to value the appropriate moral action for the particular context at hand. Some contemporary approaches to the importance of teaching ethical problem solving will be reviewed.