J. East China Norm. Univ. Philos. Soc. Sci ›› 2025, Vol. 57 ›› Issue (5): 116-127.doi: 10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5579.2025.05.010

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The Prototype of Chinese Morality and the Constitution and Configuration of Sacred Knowledge

Xiangping Li   

  • Accepted:2025-09-05 Online:2025-09-15 Published:2025-10-09

Abstract:

Chinese civilization exhibits a spiritual orientation grounded in a comprehensive theory of the sacred. This orientation functions as an implicit epistemological framework, tacitly manifesting in concepts such as the resonance between Heaven and humanity, affective attunement, and moral cultivation. It also serves not only as the origin of knowledge production but also as a fundamental mechanism for the operation of social life. It is based on the moral prototypes and their sacred knowledge framework, and centered around the prototypes of ideal figures who have achieved sanctity and sagehood, as well as the narrative style of moral inspiration. It constructs a kind of knowledge inherent in action or constituting action. It is a cognitive function and a shared ability that tells people how to practice and enhance the profound meaning of life experience.

Key words: ideal figures, moral prototypes, sacred subconsciousness, tacit capacity, knowledge configuration