"Dai Zhen 戴震 (1724-1777) believes the set of contested desires called "human desires" (renyu 人欲), which are deemed ethically problematic by the lights of the moral orthodoxy of his time, are in fact important constituents of virtuous character. Dai proposes that there is a better moral epistemology and metaethics (his own and Mengzi's) which doesn't trivialize them. The paper is an attempt to offer the first close reading and careful assessment of his argument that orthodox (Zhu Xi-style) Neo-Confucianism trivializes human desires to negative effect."
"If you plan to join the talk, please RSVP to Ivy Chen (lc3131@columbia.edu) by Sept 30 at 5pm. For non-Columbia affiliated members, please make sure to send Ivy your first name, last name, and email address for pre-register with campus security (you will receive a QR code to enter the gate). Please make sure to bring a valid ID and arrive early."
Contested human desires (renyu 人欲), deemed ethically problematic by moral orthodoxy, are identified as important constituents of virtuous character. A rival moral epistemology and metaethics, including a Mengzi-compatible account, refuses to trivialize those desires and treats them as morally significant. Orthodox Zhu Xi-style Neo-Confucianism is criticized for trivializing human desires with negative ethical effects. The work offers a close reading and careful assessment of this critique. The event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, 3:30–5:30pm at the Heyman Center for the Humanities, Columbia University. RSVP to Ivy Chen (lc3131@columbia.edu) by Sept 30 at 5pm; non-affiliated attendees must pre-register with campus security and bring valid ID. A group dinner at Happy Hot Hunan (御湘园) follows; indicate dinner attendance in the RSVP for reservation.
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