A probing, well-organized, clearly written work. . . . She contextualizes her arguments knowledgeably in historical and textual terms alike, constructing a surprisingly sophisticated presentation of a wide-ranging yet clearly defined reading of Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi. . . . . This sinologically and philosophically solid study deserves a wide readership and belongs in all collections.
-Russell Kirkland, Religious Studies Review Showing that the relation between ethics and politics in Confucianism is not as straightforward as is often assumed, El Amine argues that early Confucian political thought aims primarily to produce political order for the whole society, not virtue in the populace as is commonly understood. A real contribution to the study of early Confucian political philosophy, her thought-provoking book altered my considered views by its final chapter.
Aaron Stalnaker, Indiana University Clarifying a Confucian conception of the political, this book contends that early Confucians were cognizant of the need for political order and counseled Confucian scholars to assume office with this in mind. El Amine marshals history and a sensitive and informed reading of the texts to make a forceful argument. Her book fills a significant hole in the scholarship of this subject area.
David Wong, Duke University Combining deep scholarship, theoretical imagination, and lucid prose, El Amine gives us a more complex and yet more accessible Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi than they are ordinarily taken to be. This book brings their distinctive and subtle voices to the fore and is political philosophy at its best.
Stephen G. Salkever, Bryn Mawr College