Reference no: EM133508236

Mencius brings out a few ideas that at first seem similar to Aristotle. For example, Mencius lists four of his main virtues Benevolence, dutifulness, conscientiousness, and truthfulness. Furthermore, Mencius utilizes the growth and striving metaphors for humans in relation to morality, i.e. as the virtuous human/great man (borrowed from the Confucian concept of Junxi or gentleman) as the moral exemplar to strive for. This is also reminiscent of Aristotle and his emphasis on one's ability for moral growth. However, Mencius also brings up different concepts such as the various forms of heart while he also seems to offer criticisms of society in relation to its effect on morality. Furthermore, he seems to be criticizing more hedonistic self-focused ethics directly.

First, elaborate on further similarities between Aristotle and Mencius as well as important differences that Mencius seems to advocate that seem at odds with Aristotle's ethics. Secondly, explain the ways Mencius' ethics offers a prioritization of the communal over the personal and whether his philosophy is compelling.