Abstract:

This paper discusses the development of modem Chinese philosophy which has been going on chiefly around the debate on "righteousness versus profitableness." "Profibableness" has become a very important principle alongside the dissemination of utilitarianism in China. Most of Chinese philosophers, however, try to pursue a unity of profitableness and righteousness even when the theory of virtue revives. How to integrate profitableness with righteousness is still an open question.

Key words: the debate on "righteousness versus profitableness", values, utilitarianism, the theory of virtue