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Harmonising with Heaven and Earth: Reciprocal Harmony and Xunzi's Environmental Ethics

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  • Chua Yi Jonathan

Abstract

Xunzi's philosophy provides a rich resource for understanding how ethical relationships between humans and nature can be articulated in terms of harmony. In this paper, I build on his ideas to develop the concept of reciprocal harmony, which requires us to reciprocate those who make our lives liveable. In the context of the environment, I argue that reciprocal harmony generates moral obligations towards nature, in return for the existential debt that humanity owes towards heaven and earth. This can be used as a normative basis for an environmental ethic that enables humanity and nature to flourish together.

Suggested Citation

  • Chua Yi Jonathan, 2022. "Harmonising with Heaven and Earth: Reciprocal Harmony and Xunzi's Environmental Ethics," Environmental Values, , vol. 31(5), pages 555-574, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envval:v:31:y:2022:i:5:p:555-574
    DOI: 10.3197/096327122X16386102423985
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