Keyword: environmental philosophy
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Tucker, Mary Evelyn, Berthrong, Jogn (eds.). Confucianism and Ecology: The Interrelation of Heaven, Earth, and Humans
1998, MA: Harvard University Center for the Study of World Religions
Topics: Culture; Environment; Environment and Sustainability
Keywords: Chinese philosophy; Confucianism; ancient; ecology; environment; environmental philosophy; nature
Traditions: Cultural; East Asian; Historical; North American; Religious
Languages: Classical Chinese; English

Figures: Confucius

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Added by: Kas Bernays
Abstract:
Confucianism demonstrates a remarkable wealth of resources for rethinking human-earth relations. This second volume in the series on religions of the world and the environment includes sixteen essays that address the ecological crisis and the question of Confucianism from three perspectives: the historical describes this East Asian tradition's views of nature, social ethics, and cosmology, which may shed light on contemporary problems; a dialogical approach links Confucianism to other philosophic and religious traditions; an examination of engaged Confucianism looks at its involvement in concrete ecological issues.
Comment (from this Blueprint): A collection of essays around the relationship between Confucianism and ecological thinking — a useful starting point for further reading.
Difficulty: Easy, Intermediate
Recommended use: Further

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Zai, Zhang. Western Inscription
1963, in Wing-tsit Chan (ed.), A Sourcebook in Chinese Philosophy. Princeton: Princeton University Press
Topics: Culture; Environment; Environment and Sustainability
Keywords: Chinese philosophy; Confucianism; ancient; chang tsai; ecology; environment; environmental philosophy; nature
Traditions: Cultural; East Asian; Historical; Religious
Languages: Classical Chinese; English

Figures: Confucius; Zhang Zai

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Added by: Kas Bernays
Abstract:
Zhang Zai’s Western Inscription articulates a metaphysical vision of universal kinship and moral obligation grounded in the shared substance of all beings. It became a foundational text in Neo-Confucianism, emphasizing compassion and cosmic unity.
Comment (from this Blueprint): A very short (1-page) primary source which introduces the Neo-Confucian approach to the relationship between human beings and the rest of nature.
Difficulty: Easy, Intermediate
Recommended use: Introductory

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Zhuangzi. Autumn Floods
1968, in B. Watson (trans.), The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu. New York: Columbia University Press
Topics: Culture; Environment; Environment and Sustainability; Ontology and Metaontology
Keywords: Daoism; Taoism; ancient; asian; chinese; eastern; ecology; environment; environmental philosophy; nature; zhaungzi
Traditions: Cultural; East Asian; Historical; Religious
Languages: Classical Chinese; English

Figures: Zhuangzi

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Added by: Kas Bernays
Abstract:
This chapter presents a dialogue between the Lord of the Yellow River and the Ruo of the North Sea, illustrating Daoist themes of humility, relativism, and the vastness of nature. It challenges narrow perspectives and celebrates the interconnectedness of all things.
Comment (from this Blueprint): A primary reading from Zhuangzi, one of the two most significant philosophers in the pre-Qin Daoist tradition. Readers are encouraged to look closely at this chapter for any ecological themes they can discern.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Recommended use: Introductory

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