JOURNAL ARTICLE

Austerity in Mohist ethics.

  • Published In: Analysis, 2023, v. 83, n. 3. P. 483 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Kim, Bradford Jean-Hyuk 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines the austere ethical framework of Mohism, a philosophy inspired by Mozi, focusing on its restriction of moral goods to basic necessities and its rejection of a moderate middle ground between austerity and excess. It argues that Mohist austerity is grounded not in an assumption of perpetual scarcity but in the concept of the hedonic treadmill, a psychological phenomenon that prevents stable satisfaction beyond basic needs. This perspective explains why Mohism lacks the maximization principle characteristic of Millian utilitarianism, emphasizing sufficiency rather than maximizing benefit. The article also highlights Mohism’s critique of Confucian practices and its unique stance on moral impartiality and resource use, offering a philosophically grounded understanding of its austere ethics.

Additional Information

  • Source:Analysis. 2023/07, Vol. 83, Issue 3, p483
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Religion and Philosophy
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0003-2638
  • DOI:10.1093/analys/anad005
  • Accession Number:173782041
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