56%
Confidence
Belief overview
Yi as righteousness and justness
Yi expresses a sense of moral righteousness above narrow interest.
2
Supportive
0
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: Yi is usually translated as righteousness, justness, or moral adequacy in concrete situations.
How the tradition understands it: The virtuous person does not act only for profit or convenience, but according to what is correct. Yi helps discern duty when general rules need prudent application.
Textual basis and context: The concept is recurrent in the Analects, in Mencius, and in discussions of public morality.
Debates and variations: In some readings, yi balances ren and li; in others, it receives a more political or interpretive function.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Analects 4.16
The noble person understands what is right; the small person understands what is profitable.
Reference: Analects 4.16.
Content: The text contrasts moral rectitude with the pursuit of narrow gain.
Use in debate: It is often used for yi and as a critique of opportunism.
Mencius 6A
Mencius develops moral inclinations and their formation.
Reference: Mencius 6A.
Content: The text discusses moral sprouts, cultivation, and ethical responsibility.
Use in debate: It helps articulate yi, ren, and human nature in a formative key.