The Concept of Love in Philosophy: A Comparative Study between Plato’s Idea and Chinese Philosophy Part II: Confucius

Abstract

In this comparative study, the researcher focuses on exploring some commonalities and differences of the concept of love between two great philosophers, i.e. Plato and Confucius. According to his work, the symposium, Plato give his account of love as related to one’s personal feelings toward either love or objects of love. In the teaching of Confucius, the emphasis of love locates in actions and duty of a person as a part of his society. A core concept in Confucianism is jen (仁) or ren which means benevolent love or compassion, focuses on duty, action and attitude in a relationship rather than the love itself. According to Confucianism, one displays benevolent love by performing actions such as family respect from children, kindness from parents, loyalty to the king and so forth. However, it is certain that the differences in their origin, language, life experience and growing up in different cultural backgrounds effect both Plato and Confucius in formation of their concept of love. Thus, finding aspects of love that they have in common would be interesting as well as expanding the horizon of knowledge on the concept of love. The researcher will begin by examining their background and life experience, then exploring their development of the concept of love and nature of love to recognize their highest goal in love and their way leading to the highest goal. Finally, the researcher will try to identify their similarities and differences.