Confucian Multiculturalism: A Communitarian Theory of Intercultural Dialogue

This paper argues that the liberal-communitarian debate in political philosophy is still significant today. While some have argued that communitarian concerns have been absorbed by liberal approaches to the accommodation of moral and cultural diversity, I show that such efforts are not properly sensitive to and respectful of other cultures because they do not acknowledge the particularity of the liberal tradition. To emphasize this, I draw on the intellectual resources of a particular communitarian tradition – Confucianism – to develop a more sensitive and respectful accommodation of cultural diversity called Confucian multiculturalism. I show that Confucian multiculturalism can be realized through an intercultural dialogue that, in the modern context, should take place in universities which can provide the right intercultural education and environment. I conclude that the liberal-communitarian debate, when taken seriously, can be expanded to take the form of an intercultural dialogue that enriches all cultures and probes our common humanity.M.A.2017-12-22 00:00:0