One might also suppose that a philosopher like Mo Zi focused on universal-caring might be a pacifist, or advocate renouncing the family. But many sections of Mo Zi emphasize military defense, and even more sections emphasize filial piety and paternal affection.
I would characterize Mo Zi’s position on universal love as claiming and supporting the following two points of emphasis:
Enlarging the moral circle creates win/win situations.
It is valuable to give others some level of moral status. Even if they are foreigners, or outside the family unit, there is strategic value in affording them some level of generosity. Leaving a moral-vacuum in one’s sense of care for some out-group is a poor strategy.
One might also suppose that a philosopher like Mo Zi focused on universal-caring might be a pacifist, or advocate renouncing the family. But many sections of Mo Zi emphasize military defense, and even more sections emphasize filial piety and paternal affection.
I would characterize Mo Zi’s position on universal love as claiming and supporting the following two points of emphasis:
Enlarging the moral circle creates win/win situations.
It is valuable to give others some level of moral status. Even if they are foreigners, or outside the family unit, there is strategic value in affording them some level of generosity. Leaving a moral-vacuum in one’s sense of care for some out-group is a poor strategy.