SKU: 11313344813

Mastery, Dependence, and the Ethics of Authority

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Description

Mastery, Dependence, and the Ethics of AuthorityOver the last few decades, skepticism about political and moral experts has grown into a serious social problem, undermining the functioning of liberal democratic regimes. Indeed, meritocracy that is, government by hard working, public spirited people with high levels of relevant expertise has never looked so promising as an alternative to the dangers of know nothing populism. One cultural tradition has devoted sustained attention to the idea of

Over the last few decades, skepticism about political and moral experts has grown into a serious social problem, undermining the functioning of liberal democratic regimes. Indeed, meritocracy-that is, government by hard working, public-spirited people with high levels of relevant expertise-has never looked so promising as an alternative to the dangers of know-nothing populism. One cultural tradition has devoted sustained attention to the idea of meritocracy, as well as to the cultivation of true expertise or mastery: Confucianism.

Mastery, Dependence, and the Ethics of Authority presents a compelling analysis of expertise and authority, and examines classical Confucian conceptions of mastery, dependence, and human relationships in order to suggest new approaches to these issues in ethics and political theory. Contemporary Westerners are heirs to multiple traditions that are suspicious of authority, especially coercive political authority. We are also increasingly wary of dependence, which now often seems to signify weakness, neediness, and pathology. Analysts commonly presume that both authority and dependence threaten human autonomy, and are thus intrinsically problematic. But these judgments are mistaken. Our capacity for autonomy needs to be cultivated over time through deliberate practices of training, in which we depend on the guidance of virtuous and skilled teachers. Confucian thought provides a subtle and powerful analysis of one version of this training process, and of the social supports such an education in autonomy requires-as well as the social value of having virtuous and skilled leaders. Early Confucians also argue that human life is marked by numerous interacting forms of dependence, which are not only ineradicable, but in many ways good. On a Confucian view, it is natural, healthy, and good for people to be deeply dependent on others in a variety of ways across the full human lifespan. They teach us that individual autonomy only develops within a social matrix, structured by relationships of mutual dependence that can either help or hinder it, including a variety of authority relations.

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SKU: 11313344813

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Elizabeth Henderson
Draper, US
★★★★★ 4
Very narrow
Size: 10 Wide, Color: Cognac
Run narrow. For very narrow feet. Wide width fits like a regular width.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2026
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Mynx
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable Shoes Right Out of the Box
Size: 9, Color: Black
I bought these shoes for my husband. He has a very hard time finding quality, comfortable shoes. These shoes are just as comfortable as his New Balance. He uses them as a dress shoe and wears them at least once a week. There was no break in period necessary. They were comfortable right out of the box! The only thing we didn't like was the white sole color. Once I knew he was going to keep them, I used a black sharpie marker to color the soles black. Instant amazing, comfortable dress shoes. They were well worth the cost. If you or your SO needs a comfortable pair of shoes, we highly recommend them.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2025
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Rmanuel
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 1
Paid for new, received used.
Size: 9.5 Wide, Color: Cognac, Size: 9.5 Wide, Color: Cognac
Arrived dirty as if someone whore it for more than a few days. Maybe I was mistaken, but I saw nothing about “previously used” on the Amazon page. Returned it. I would suggest that the company use quality control when it comes to shipping. The shoes seem find otherwise. I ordered 9.5 and it was just a bit tight. If I reorder I will go for size 10.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2026
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Fletch
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Overall Great.
Size: 10.5 Wide, Color: Black
Great product. Great value. Great style. Overall great.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2026
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B.J. G
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 3
Decent Shoes with Misleading Description (Not Leather)
Size: 12 Wide, Color: Black, Size: 12 Wide, Color: Black
I only look for leather when I’m purchasing dress shoes. Under the description “details” on this item it lists the shoe as leather upper and inner lining. A photo shows “genuine Napa leather lining”. If you keep reading (which I have now that I’ve received the shoes) it shows “faux leather” in the small print and that is not “leather”. I run a small leather business and this irks me because it’s clearly false advertising. The details also show the product is made in Brazil but when they arrived today, the shoe tag shows “Made in China” and “Man Made upper and lower”. I don’t hate the shoes. They look nice. What I know is they won’t hold up over time like leather, which is why the description should be accurate and not misleading.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2026

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