THE IMAGES OF THE FEMININE IN CONFUCIANISM AND FEMINIST STRATEGIES FOR AN INCLUSIVE PHILOSOPHY

Using the critical feminist method of images-of-women, this paper atte mpts to interpret women's ethico-religious perspectives and experience s of this world and the world beyond, which are systematically exclude d in traditional Confucianism, and this needs to be corrected in prese nt-clay Confucian learning. The focus is on Confucian immanence and re lated ideas from the Confucian classics; the writings of Song-Ming Neo -Confucian masters; and the writings of contemporary Confucian scholar s. Feminist theory is an area of intellectual writing which presents a crucial and original contribution to contemporary thinking. Non the t ime is right re, urge for the development of Confucian feminism, both from within Confucianism and from outside. It must therefore develop i nto a new inclusive philosophy which treats women as equal to, and at the same time, different from men. This should thus extend to the incl usion of all persons who experience what women experience, to realize a true Confucian humanity in our world and the world beyond.