A Global Ethics based on the Confucian idea of Jen (仁)

The Confucian idea of Jen (仁), contains an essential anthropocosmic sense of the fullness of the humanity and refers to both individual and global humans. In this paper I will argue that Jen provides us with an appropriate and vital undergirding concept of humanity that is necessary for a global ethic and for global democracy. In the first part, I will demonstrate the background of the need for a global ethic, and in the second, I will show the meaning of the self or human being in Confucianism. In order to understand the Confucian idea of Jen as humanity, presenting a general understanding of self will be helpful. Then, in the third part of this paper, I will go further into the various meanings of Jen. The concept of Jen is an essential virtue in Confucianism. I will define Jen as referring to an anthropocosmic concept of humanity which has special significance for a global ethics that can lead to global democracy. I will adopt the interpretation of Jen as humanity as that word is used in the Analects and in Dr. Weiming Tu’s Confucian anthropocosmic philosophy. All humans must be seen as having moral value. Next, I will validate the universality of Jen as a global ethic. In the last part, I address the limits of the human condition and environmental and economic world’s issues. In particular, I will argue that America is at the center of the world’s unequal and unjust system. Accordingly, I will propose that there should be a global institution as an “organizing center” that differs from the American-centered imperialistic WTO. The “Center” with the assistance and support of moral NGOs and religious organizations would ensure an ethical world democracy.