Misinterpretations of Confucianism and Taoism by Weber: A Reading Note on "Religion in China: Confucianism and Taoism"

Abstract

: By revisiting Weber's thought process in studying Chinese religions through reading "Religion in China: Táoism and Confucianism," it becomes evident that Weber's discourse still contains paradoxes, particularly in his misunderstandings of Confucianism and Taoism. The confusion surrounding the concept of "religion," misinterpretations of the concept of "unity of heaven and man," and neglect of the idea of "three teachings merging" have led Weber to overlook the characteristic of Confucianism as a doctrine rather than a religion. Moreover, his misreadings of the theoretical foundation of Taoism, confusion between Daoism and Taoism, and misjudgment of the relationship between Confucianism and Taoism have caused Weber to overlook the process of religious transformation within Daoism. Despite Weber's misunderstandings of Confucianism and Taoism, his awareness of sociological issues and the depth of his work undoubtedly make him a great scholar.