Synthesized answer
The author provides evidence from early Confucian teachings and historical developments to question the Weberian characterization of Confucianism [3]. He contrasts the ideal of the noble man in Confucius and Mencius with the figure of the sage-king who became authoritarian in imperial dynasties [3].
The author also notes that Confucianism is seen by some as a symbol of a reactionary and repressive past, while others admire Confucius as a humanist for his ethical system and discipline [1, 2]. He discusses how Confucianism, as a liberal humanist teaching, has been appropriated to serve conservative regimes [1, 3]. The passages do not specify further evidence beyond these points.
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
Title: The trouble with Confucianism by William Theodore De Bary Description: "At the time of the Cultural Revolution in China, Confucius was so shadowy a figure in most people's minds that the Gang of Four had to first resurrect him before he could be pilloried and crucified. Since that time, he has continued to haunt the scene. But despite this rejuvenated attention, his status is still unclear." "In Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and other parts of East and Southeast Asia, as well as China, people are asking, "What does Confucianism have to offer today?" For some, Confucius is still the…
experience with Confucius' noble ideals."--BOOK JACKET. --- Google Books --- Title: The Trouble with Confucianism by William Theodore De Bary, Wm. Theodore de Bary Description: This text looks at the role and meaning of Confucianism in modern Asia. For some, Confucius is the symbol of a reactionary and repressive past, whilst for others he is a humanist, admired for his ethical system and discipline Categories: Religion Pages: 156 Snippet: This text looks at the role and meaning of Confucianism in modern Asia. For some, Confucius is the symbol of a reactionary and repressive past,…
eral humanist teaching that is often appropriated to serve conservative regimes. He discusses the tension between the ideal of the noble man in Confucius and Mencius and the figure of the exemplary sage-king turned authoritarian in the imperial dynasties. On the basis of evidence from both early Confucian teachings and historical developments, de Bary questions the Weberian characterization of Confucianism as a philosophy of acceptance and accommodation, lacking a critical voice or capability for self-transformation. Instead, he sees Confucianism as involving a prophetic voice, identified…