Confucian Rights in Practice

FAIN: FT-52788-04

May Sim
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater (Stillwater, OK 74078-0001)

Significant problems of mutual understanding and political action hang on the fact that traditional Confucianism does not recognize human rights. My recent research explores a way human rights can be conceived from Confucian principles. I show how peoples--Chinese or North Korean, say--can embrace Confucianism and the recognition of rights concurrently. Consequently, they could no longer reject accusations of rights violations by appealing to a Confucian heritage. What needs development in this work is the connection between this Confucian approach to rights and specific civil and political rights. This summer stipend will provide living expenses for the two months during which I will be free from teaching responsibilities to work out this important connection.