A Comparative Study Of Confucius And Plato’s Wealth Ethics

The modernization and secularization of the society has led to the alienation of human being, the main component of society, which is caused by the pursuit of desire and interests. Commercialization and materialization are the results of alienation. People lay more stress on immediate benefits and realistic wealth which is used to measure values. Therefore, many social problems and conflicts have occurred, which indicate that people are deviating from integrity and noble ideals. As a result, people are departing from their inner values and spiritual world. From this perspective, the problem of wealth not only reflects social economic problems, but also reflects moral problems and cultural problems, which is an important proposition that philosophy explores.This thesis presents a comparative study on the thought of wealth ethics, between two philosophers from the east and the west:Confucius and Plato. The thought of wealth ethics is rich and meaningful. Confucius’thought is based on "benevolence", which means the benevolent loves others. It is for the principle of relationship of righteousness. It is characterized by presenting the dialectical relationship of righteousness. Confucius’thought is the inherent virtue of wealth thought consciously. And Plato’s thought is a kind of wealth on the basis of "concept". The ultimate purpose of idea is good. It is with "four said" and "four system" for the principle. It is characterized that justice is throughout. Plato’s thought is a kind of the external constraints of rational thought wealth. Their thoughts differ in ontology and theoretical characteristics. However, they all stress the ethical and moral guidance and restriction for wealth. Therefore, wealth thought has a certain moral and ethical implications. Based on the comparison, these two philosophers’thoughts have certain things in common and in differences, mainly reflected in the production, distribution, exchange and consumption of the wealth. They review the important relationship of ethics and wealth from its similarity. They thirst for the return of the intrinsic value of people and the spirit world. The spiritual wealth, only based on worldly wealth, is the eternal lasting real wealth. On the basis of their differences, it is necessary to better integrate into and draw lessons from Chinese and western good wealth of ideas. It is to help set a positive rational modern concept of wealth creation, a harmonious wealth income distribution, a mutual equal wealth exchange view and a frugal public wealth consumption, so as to achieve the unity between "inner consciousness" and "external constraint", and the unity of material desire and spiritual integrity.Confucius and Plato’s wealth ethics reflect the unity of history and logic. Their thoughts are the continuation of history in the present, but also the moment in history. Their purpose is to realize social material and spiritual wealth, the rich and harmonious situation of the individual and group. These are to achieve good communication between China and western countries by setting up the bridge connecting the ancient and modern.