One of the greatest philosophers in Vietnam in the late eighteenth century is Ngô Thı̀Nhám (1746-1803). In his works related to ethics, politics, religion, etc., he establishes a particular theory of morality focusing on human morality. In this paper, the four main aspects of his ethical philosophy will be examined: the place and function of morality in human life; the moral essence of human nature; obstacles against the development of human morality; and the ways that human beings might restore and develop their morality. The analysis indicates that Ngô Thı̀Nhám did not directly adopt Confucianism’s morality into his thought, but re-interpreted those categories to respond to the problems of that time, such as moral decay and the crisis within the society and politics. The philosophical system of Ngô Thı̀Nhám includes many aspects from Buddhism and Taoism while preserving many aspects of Confucianism, especially moral virtues and ethics of leadership and governance. The study of his moral philosophy suggests that this philosopher is valuable in two aspects: first, his ideas provide us with an understanding of the Vietnamese intellectual life in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries; secondly, we can draw some resources for modern ethical life.
One of the greatest philosophers in Vietnam in the late eighteenth century is Ngô Thı̀Nhám (1746-1803). In his works related to ethics, politics, religion, etc., he establishes a particular theory of morality focusing on human morality. In this paper, the four main aspects of his ethical philosophy will be examined: the place and function of morality in human life; the moral essence of human nature; obstacles against the development of human morality; and the ways that human beings might restore and develop their morality. The analysis indicates that Ngô Thı̀Nhám did not directly adopt Confucianism’s morality into his thought, but re-interpreted those categories to respond to the problems of that time, such as moral decay and the crisis within the society and politics. The philosophical system of Ngô Thı̀Nhám includes many aspects from Buddhism and Taoism while preserving many aspects of Confucianism, especially moral virtues and ethics of leadership and governance. The study of his moral philosophy suggests that this philosopher is valuable in two aspects: first, his ideas provide us with an understanding of the Vietnamese intellectual life in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries; secondly, we can draw some resources for modern ethical life.
