kung szu, a Chinese distinction corresponding to the opposition between ‘public’ and ‘private’ interests, a key feature of Confucian and Legalist ethics. The distinction is sometimes expressed by other terms suggestive of distinction between impartiality and partiality, as in the Mo Tzu, or the Neo-Confucian distinction between Heavenly principle (t’ien-li) and selfish desires. For the Confucians, private and personal concerns are acceptable only insofar as they do not conflict with the rules of propriety (li) and righteousness (i). Partiality toward one’s personal relationships is also acceptable provided that such partiality admits of reasonable justification, especially when such a concern is not incompatible with jen or the ideal of humanity. This view contrasts with egoism, altruism, and utilitarianism. See also CHINESE LEGALISM , CONFUCIANIS. A.S.C.