Defu, i.e. morality and happiness, is a pair of important categories in traditional Chinese ethical culture. During the pre-Qin period, Confucianism, Taoism, and Mohist schools of thought all expressed their own views on the issue of morality and happiness, and put forward many valuable ideas.

Among them, Confucianism is particularly rich and profound, and has had a profound influence on Confucianism and even on the whole Chinese traditional culture. On the basis of combing the theoretical origins of the pre-Qin Confucian thinking on moral happiness and the change of thinking, this paper intends to discuss the successes and failures of the pre-Qin Confucians on the issue of moral happiness and to reveal its modern significance.

Expanded Information:

Modern Meaning of the Defu Contradiction p>The Modern Significance of the Defu Contradiction

Down to the recent times, Confucian culture, which developed from pre-Qin Confucianism, has lost its original honored status. People have debated fiercely about Confucian culture and its role in the course of Chinese history, with those who revere it as the sky and those who reject it as the abyss. Due to the special political environment of modern China and the weak position of Eastern culture in front of Western culture, those who denied Confucianism repeatedly gained the upper hand. There have been numerous criticisms, attacks and insults against Confucianism and its representatives. As the winds and clouds changed, Confucianism also withered or prospered. It is only now that people have begun to rationally scrutinize this time-honored cultural torrent.

Relative to the concept of ghosts and gods prevalent during the Shang and Zhou periods, the theory of praying for blessings based on virtue is undoubtedly revolutionary. But it is important to note that it was also clothed in theism, and that it spread to the ruling class, making the universality of the so-called goodness and obscenity highly questionable. After all, the morality of different classes and strata often varies greatly. It can be said that the theory of praying for blessings by virtue has been branded with the stigma of class since its inception. To the general public, the evaluators of whether moral behavior is good or evil seem to be the impartial heaven and God, while the actual power of judgment is held by the ruling class. They decided whether to bestow blessings or to condemn according to their own goodness or badness. Ordinary people have no say in the matter.

Baidu Encyclopedia - Morality and Happiness

Baidu Encyclopedia - Virtue and Happiness Contradiction