What Difference? Which Analogy? and Whose Ritual?

It is frequently asserted that grand contrasts exist between Eastern and WesternWestern traditions. For instance, in mainland ChinaChina, there is a prevalent belief that ConfucianConfucian philosophy emphasizes holistic ideals, pursuing the common good and collective interests, while WesternWestern philosophy prioritizes individualistic valuesValues, respecting individual rightsIndividual rights and safeguarding selfish interests. These differences, it is believed, have led WesternWestern scholars to adopt an individualistic viewpoint, focusing on discursive analysis and specific examples. In contrast, EasternEastern scholars tend to articulate holistic or collectivist views, addressing a comprehensive range of factors. Moreover, some Chinese scholars have recently argued that Chinese tradition is privileged with an “all-under-heaven” (tianxia 天下All under heaven ( 天下)) perspective, considering global issues from a worldwide standpoint. They claim that the West, particularly the modernModern West, tends to adopt a vantage point centered around sovereign states, losing sight of the broader environment.