Abstract
This article reexamines Mo Zi’s ethical philosophy, challenging the dominant interpretation of Mohism as a purely consequentialist or proto-utilitarian system. While Mo Zi’s emphasis on social utility—such as material welfare, population growth, and aversion to warfare—aligns with outcome-oriented reasoning, I argue that his invocation of the will of Heaven introduces a deontological dimension. Heaven’s will serves not merely as a heuristic for maximizing benefits but as an absolute moral standard, demanding adherence to duties like universal love and non-aggression, irrespective of immediate practical gains. Through a close reading of the Mo-Zi corpus, this study reveals a hybrid ethical framework that synthesizes consequentialist and deontological principles. Mo Zi’s moral imperatives are justified both by their practical outcomes and their alignment with Heaven’s commands, creating a system where duty and utility are mutually reinforcing. The article also explores the tension between intent and consequence in Mohist ethics, arguing that while actions are judged by their results, intent is essential for ensuring moral agency and sustainable outcomes. By critiquing Eurocentric interpretations that reduce Mo Zi to a proto-utilitarian, this reassessment highlights the complexity of his thought, situating it within its unique historical context. Ultimately, the article offers a nuanced understanding of Mo Zi’s ethics, demonstrating its relevance to contemporary debates on moral theory and cross-cultural philosophy.
Recommended Citation
MIRANDA, Nuno
(2025)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/2151-6014(2025).160206
"Reassessing the Deontological Undercurrents in Mo Zi’s Ethical Thought,"
Comparative Philosophy: Vol. 16:
Iss.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/comparativephilosophy/vol16/iss2/6
