Tasting Dung with an Anxious Heart: Confucian Tales of Family Care

The Indiana University presents a talk with Michael Ing on the notion of "xiao," or filial piety.

This presentation will provide an overview of the notion of xiao 孝 in Confucianism, often understood as filial piety or family care. By examining several texts and contemporary cartoons, I will explore the meaning of family care at various points in Chinese history as well as the relevance of family care in ethical thought.

Michael Ing received a master’s degree in theological studies and a Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. In 2011 he joined the faculty in the Department of Religious Studies at Indiana University where he studies early Confucian ritual and ethics.