K'ung-ts'ung-tzu

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The book delves into the authenticity of K'ung-ts'ung-tzu, suggesting it may be a forgery by Wang Su rather than a genuine work of a Confucian descendant. It reevaluates the Confucian school during the period between Confucius's death and the rise of Neo-Confucianism, highlighting philosophical debates with other schools like Legalism and Mohism. Ariel argues that this text reveals a complex philosophical landscape, portraying Confucianism as both metaphysical and assertive in promoting its values during the third century.