Abstract
Ethical values are the moral principles that guide individual and societal behavior, deeply rooted in cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and historical experiences. These values shape how communities perceive virtues such as justice, courage, and responsibility. Mythology has served as a profound cultural mirror, reflecting the ethical ideals and philosophical foundations of different civilizations. Myths are not merely ancient stories but encapsulate the collective ethos of a culture, transmitting core values across generations. Chinese and Greco-Roman mythology, while both emphasizing virtuous conduct, reveal striking contrasts in their ethical priorities. Chinese myths often highlight the importance of collective harmony, self-sacrifice, and alignment with cosmic order, influencing Confucian and Taoist philosophies that prioritize societal balance. In contrast, Greco-Roman myths celebrate individual heroism, personal glory, and moral autonomy, also influencing the idea of humanism and individualism in Western thought. This paper argues that while both Chinese and Western mythologies promote ethical behavior, their narratives diverge in fundamental ways: Chinese myths underscore collective welfare and harmony, whereas Western myths focus on individual agency and heroic achievement. These differences are deeply rooted in different mythologies. Chinese mythology influences Confucian thought like collectivism, while Western mythology influences the humanistic spirit that followed. By examining key mythological narratives, this paper will demonstrate how these distinct ethical frameworks manifest themselves and why they remain culturally significant today.
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How to cite this paper
Exploring the Similarities and Differences in Chinese and Western Ethical Values Through Ancient Mythology
How to cite this paper: Jiayu Zhang. (2025) Exploring the Similarities and Differences in Chinese and Western Ethical Values Through Ancient Mythology. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 9(7), 1467-1472.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.07.033