Individual Autonomy and Responsibility in Late Imperial China By ...

Chapter 2

Some Terms of the Question

The quarrel between Li Zhi and Geng Dingxiang demonstrates the importance attached to the search for the authentic self.¹ Besides the authenticity of moral values, questions about self-autonomy and “subjecthood” continued to be explored in the course of Chinese history, and the specific contribution of Chinese culture to the idea of an individual self deserves further study. While addressing these questions, we cannot ignore the semantic values of the notion of “individualism” in the West and China.²

Etymologically, the Latin term individuus means “indivisible.” In Webster’s Dictionary, “individual” is defined as: (1) existing as a single, separate thing or being; (2) relating to or characteristic of a single person or thing; (3) distinguished from others. “Individualism” refers to (1) individual character or peculiarity; (2) doctrine maintaining the political and economic independence of the individual and stressing individual initiative, action, and interests; and (3) conduct based on such a doctrine.³ Notwithstanding its various uses, “individualism” basically involves the notions of dignity of individuals and their autonomy both in the public and private sphere.