义
Yi
Confucianism · conceptRighteousness, moral duty, appropriateness. The Confucian virtue of doing what is morally right in every situation, regardless of personal gain or loss. Yi is the internal compass that guides right action, distinguishing the noble person (junzi) from the petty person. Yi is the internal sense of moral rightness. Together with ren, it forms the core of Confucian ethics -- ren is the heart of compassion, yi is the spine of moral integrity.
As Confucius taught through the Analects and as the Confucian tradition of self-cultivation holds, Yi represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.
What Are the Key Facts About Yi?
- Tradition: Confucianism
- Chinese: 义
- Category: Concept
- Definition: Righteousness, moral duty, appropriateness.
What Cards Are Related to Yi?
What Concepts Are Related to Yi?
Ren 仁Related to
Yi and ren are complementary Confucian virtues — humaneness expressed through right action
Junzi 君子 Expresses
The junzi embodies yi in every action and decision
Golden Rule 己所不欲勿施于人 Applied as
Yi is the inner sense of rightness that guides applying the golden rule
Mencius 孟子 Teaches
Mencius emphasized yi (righteousness) as intrinsic to human nature
Common Questions
义 哲学含义 chinese 义 confucius meaning chinese-meaning Yi 义 philosophy concept yi confucian righteousness meaning definition yi vs ren confucianism explanation how to understand Yi how-to junzi yi righteousness explained teachingFurther Reading and Sources
For authoritative academic perspectives on Yi, consult these external sources: