Embracing our complexity : Thomas Aquinas and Zhu Xi on power and the common good / Catherine Hudak Klancer.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

This book discusses what a religiously grounded authority might look like from the viewpoints of the European Catholic Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) and the Chinese Neo-Confucian Zhu Xi (1130-1200). The consideration of these two figures, immensely influential in their respective traditions, reflects the conviction that any responsible discourse on authority must consider different cultural perspectives. Catherine Hudak Klancer notes that both Zhu Xi and Aquinas conceive wisdom as including, yet surpassing, human reason. Both express an explicit faith in the moral order of the cosmos and the ethical potential of human beings. The systematic, idealistic approach common to both provides the cosmic, anthropological, and ethical elements needed for a comprehensive exploration of how to exercise and limit authority. Ultimately, Klancer writes, authority requires a particular virtue, hitherto latent in both scholars' work and in their lives as well. A person with this virtue--humble authority--is properly grounded in the sacred order, and fully cognizant in theory and in practice of the parameters of human nature and the responsibilities attendant upon the human role.

Print version record.

Acknowledgments; Introduction; Tensions Timeless and Contemporary; Introduction to Zhu Xi and Thomas Aquinas; Zhu Xi; Thomas Aquinas; Thomas and Zhu in Conversation; Methodology; Chapter Outline; The Wider Context; Conclusion; Chapter 1 An Objectively Moral Universe; What's Your Proof? Limitations of the Scientific Model; A Different Way of Thinking: The Mind of Faith; Thomas Aquinas-Faith Informed by Reason, Reason Informed by Faith; Zhu Xi-An Intellectually Rigorous Faith; Thomas and Zhu in Conversation; An Ontological Morality; Zhu Xi's Ontology; Thomas Aquinas's Ontology.

ConclusionChapter 2 Intelligent Agents with Moral Potential; Self-Interested Actors and Selfless Comrades; Intelligent Agents with Moral Potential; Zhu Xi's Human Being: In Need of Communal Assistance; Thomas Aquinas's Human Being: In Need of Grace; Conclusion; Chapter 3 Roles, Rituals, and Habits: The Proper Development of the Human Being; Roles; Social Roles and the Human Person; Cosmic Roles and the Human Person; A Methodological Issue; Development of the Self; Zhu Xi and Socialization; Thomas Aquinas and the Virtues; Fulfilling the Role; Zhu Xi: Assisting the Universe.

Thomas Aquinas: Bringing About the Good of AllConclusion; Chapter 4 Exercising Authority; The Government and the Common Good; Sacred Calling for Human Beings in General to Exercise Authority; Zhu Xi: The Human Endowment; Thomas Aquinas: The Power of Reason and Intellect; The Exercise of Authority by Particular Individuals Within the Human Community; Zhu Xi and the Need for Social Hierarchy; Thomas Aquinas and the Need for a Ruler; Qualifications for Leadership; Zhu Xi: The Moral Model; Thomas Aquinas: Prudent Lawmaker; Conclusion; Chapter 5 Limiting Authority.

The Contemporary Distaste for HumilityZhu Xi and Thomas Aquinas on Humility; Zhu Xi: A Virtue or Not?; Thomas Aquinas: Definitely a Virtue; Humility Grounded in Finite Nature and Knowledge; Zhu Xi and the Way; Thomas Aquinas and God; Humility in Community; Zhu Xi and Social Inferiors; Thomas Aquinas and Revelation; Humility and Authority; Zhu Xi and the "Mere Fellow"; Thomas Aquinas and the Tyrant; Conclusion; Conclusion: The Virtue of Humble Authority; Dealing with Reality; Engaging with Diversity, Engaging with Paradox: The Virtue of Humble Authority; The Complexities of Life.

The Desire for SimplicityLessons for the Contemporary World; Facing the Truth(s); Defending Cultural Comparison; Message for a Pluralistic Society; Humble Authority in Action; Justice, Love, and Wonder; Do We Really Need Religious Belief?; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

English.

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