Yuhan Liang

Moral commitments play a role in the process of moral cultivation. This paper explores the concept of commitment and its significance in moral development. Rational relativists argue that commitment is an act of will that guides individuals in making decisions, especially when faced with value conflicts. Through a series of decisions, individuals develop their dispositions and become distinct persons. However, this view of commitment has two major weaknesses: first, rational relativism does not adequately address how to sustain and fulfill long-term commitments; second, commitments driven by selfish motives may undermine long-term moral growth. In response, I turn to the Confucian concept of zhi 志, which offers a more nuanced and holistic approach. For Confucians, the making and maintenance of zhi is a continuous, on-going process of moral cultivation. This paper demonstrates how the Confucian notion of zhi can effectively address these challenges, providing a more sustainable and morally enriching framework for commitment.

Moral commitments play a role in the process of moral cultivation. This paper explores the concept of commitment and its significance in moral development. Rational relativists argue that commitment is an act of will that guides individuals in making decisions, espe- cially when faced with value conflicts. Through a series of decisions, individuals develop their dispositions and become distinct persons. However, this view of commitment has two major weaknesses: first, rational relativism does not adequately address how to sustain and fulfill long-term commitments; second, commitments driven by selfish motives may undermine long-term moral growth. In response, I turn to the Confucian concept of zhi 志, which offers a more nuanced and holistic approach. For Confucians, the making and maintenance of zhi is a continuous, on-going process of moral cultivation. This paper demonstrates how the Confucian notion of zhi can effectively address these challenges, providing a more sus- tainable and morally enriching framework for commitment.