Freedom through Choosing

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter argues that Confucianism has resources for constructing its own conception of freedom and that there is no need to transplant a Western notion of “free will” for such a purpose. It constructs a conception of Confucian freedom largely along the lines of Charles Taylor’s “exercise concept.” Accordingly, a person is free only to the extent that she has effectively determined herself and the shape of her life. Thus understood, Confucian freedom is to be realized by developing personal competency for making effective choices and by creating societal conditions to achieve meaningfully chosen goals. Specifically, it is to be realized in the process of choosing the good (zeshan 擇善). As such, Confucian freedom is both liberating and fulfilling.