Ancient Chinese proofs for the existence of gods: The case of Mohism

Asian Philosophy 31 (2):105-120 (2021)
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Abstract

ABSTRACT Mohism has been called the most religious of all Chinese philosophies. Living up to that name, it developed unique proofs for the existence of the spiritual realm within a distinctly Chinese context. The Mozi uses testimonies from China’s mythic history to prove the existence of spirits. But beyond these cultural proofs, the Mozi also introduces a logical argument that is very similar to Pascal’s wager. Beyond these four explicit arguments, the Mozi also contains a fifth proof based on the existence of a supernatural order that exists in the structure of the world.

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References found in this work

Summa Theologica.Thomasn D. Aquinas - 1273 - Hayes Barton Press. Edited by Steven M. Cahn.
Plato: Complete Works.J. M. Cooper (ed.) - 1997 - Hackett.
Plato: Complete Works.J. Cooper & D. S. Hutchinson - 1998 - Phronesis 43 (2):197-206.
Pensées and Other Writings.Blaise Pascal (ed.) - 1670 - Oxford University Press.
Pascal's wager: pragmatic arguments and belief in God.Jeff Jordan - 2006 - New York: Oxford University Press.

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