An Analysis on the Deductive Thought and the Deduction Maker of the Concept of "Benevolence" (Ren) in Confucian Analects

Abstract

Through exploring the concept of "benevolence" (ren), this article is meant to inquire the deductive content in the concept of "benevolence," the roles played by the deductive and the inductive thoughts in Confucianism along with why the doctrine of benevolence can dominate Confucianism and make profound impact on the civilizations in the region. Moreover, informed by the examples of being "inside the saint and outside the king," the writer analyzes why the deduction about Confucianism always begins with the concepts oriented to the "inside sage," such as the concept of "benevolence," while such a view differs from the contemporary demands on any theories for praticality. Furthermore, we would discuss, among Confucius, Confucians and all the deduction makers in history, who is the true deduction maker in the writer's eyes Finally, due to the contemporary emphases on scientific and empiric laws along with the applications of deductive laws, here we would contemplate on how the deduction makers of Confucianism should respond to the contemporary emphases on induction and how Confucian language approaches this problem consciousness.