Item 2 in Confucian Five Constant Virtues

Yi — Righteousness

Choose what is morally fitting rather than acting only for advantage or gain.

Position
2
Form
Virtue to cultivate
Obligation
Aspirational
Wording status
Editorial paraphrase
Intended audience
Persons cultivating Confucian character and relational responsibility
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Yi — Righteousness

Original term: Yì

Source wording

Editorial paraphrase: Choose what is morally fitting rather than acting only for advantage or gain.

Editorial paraphrase

Literal meaning

Choose what is morally fitting rather than acting only for advantage or gain.

Broader interpretation

Interpretation depends on the framework's historical purpose, intended audience and relationship to its other principles.

Ethical purpose

To shape conduct or character in a way consistent with the wider ethical framework.

Modern application

Modern application requires attention to consent, rights, evidence, foreseeable harm and changing social conditions.

Criticism and difficult cases

Application can become difficult when this principle conflicts with another duty, when harm is indirect, or when ancient social assumptions do not fit modern conditions.

Truth By Reason analysis

Truth By Reason assesses this principle according to evidence, rights, intentions, foreseeable consequences and consistency with the treatment of all affected beings.

Ethical themes

  • Justice
  • Honesty

Sources