The Early Confucian Philosophy of Agency : Lexington Books : 9781666928372 : 1666928372 : 15 Feb 2024 : Henrique Schneider argues that understanding the three Early Confucian thinkers-Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi-as virtue-ethicists, political philosophers, or social conservatives proves too narrow. Championing a broader and more philosophical reading, The Early Confucian Philosophy of Agency: Virtuous Conduct sheds new light on a well-established topic. Virtuous conduct-aligning actions and motivations with virtues, social roles, and rituals-is the philosophy of agency of Early Confucianism. Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi share a common philosophy of agency, which does more than describe agents and acts: it also represents a progressive social and political program. Schneider characterizes Early Confucianism as a progressive philosophy due to its human-centered program for social reform, its process view of self-cultivation, and its development. Agents who cultivate themselves can pro