Abstract:

Although Confucian ethics and contemporary virtue ethics originate from distinct civilizations separated by vast temporal and spatial distances, significant convergences are observed regarding the establishment of the moral agent, the pathways for cultivating virtue, and the methods for sustaining moral character. Through an examination of“junzi shen du”(the gentleman’s vigilance in solitude) and“agentcenteredness,”it is argued that the junzi (exemplary person) in Confucianism and the virtuous agent in contemporary virtue ethics serve as the foundational moral subjects for their respective theoretical frameworks. The Confucian ideal of“harmonizing the internal and external”and the virtue ethical principle that“character takes precedence over action”are presented as distinct yet complementary approaches to moral cultivation. In both traditions, the necessity for inner qualities to manifest outwardly“( formed within, expressed without”) is emphasized, with priority given to internal disposition and self-cultivation. Furthermore, gongfu (selfcultivation practices) in Confucianism and phronesis (practical wisdom) in contemporary virtue ethics are identified as the respective strategies for nurturing and sustaining virtue. The importance of the agent’s practical engagement and spiritual refinement, as well as the indispensable role of virtue or character in guiding concrete actions, is underscored by both systems. While these profound convergences are highlighted, subtle yet meaningful distinctions between the two ethical traditions are also acknowledged.

Key words: Confucian ethics, contemporary virtue ethics, the gentleman’s vigilance in solitude, agent;convergence