Neo-Confucianism is a moral, ethical, and metaphysical Chinese philosophy influenced by Confucianism, and originates with Han Yu and Li Ao (772-841) in the Tang Dynasty; it becomes prominent during the Song and Ming dynasties.

Neo-Confucianism is an attempt to create a more rationalist and secular form of Confucianism by rejecting superstitious and mystical elements of Taoism and Buddhism that had influenced Confucianism during and after the Han Dynasty.

Although the Neo-Confucianists are critical of Taoism and Buddhism, the two do have an influence on the philosophy, and the Neo-Confucianists borrow terms and concepts from both.

However, unlike the Buddhists and Taoists, who see metaphysics as a catalyst for spiritual development, religious enlightenment, and immortality, the Neo-Confucianists use metaphysics as a guide for developing a rationalist ethical philosophy.