The notes that follow are a brief introduction to major ethical ideas that flourished in China during the Medieval period in Western Europe. The relevant period in China was during the Song Dynasty(960-1279). It was roughly during this era (13th Century) that Europeans began making contact with China.  Such a comparison, therefore, might prove interesting. China at this time was far more advanced than Europe. But, perhaps surprisingly, the moral philosophy of each culture was focused on the idea of virtue – albeit from different perspectives.

Ethics in Classical China