---
name: virtue-reward-evaluation-framework
description: "Use when analyzing whether virtue correlates with worldly success or questioning cosmic justice (天道). Compares virtuous sufferers (伯夷, 颜回) against prosperous villains (盗跖) using Sima Qian's method to assess 天道无亲常与善人 and inform ethical decision-making."
---

# Virtue-Reward Evaluation Framework

## Overview
An analytical method for examining the relationship between moral conduct and life outcomes, based on Sima Qian's comparative analysis of historical figures.

## Steps

1. **Identify Test Cases**
   - Select virtuous individuals who suffered (e.g., Bo Yi, Shu Qi, Yan Hui)
   - Select wicked individuals who prospered (e.g., Dao Zhi)

2. **Document Evidence**
   - Record specific virtuous behaviors (积仁絜行 - accumulating benevolence, pure conduct)
   - Record outcomes (starvation, early death vs. long life, wealth)

3. **Compare Outcomes**
   - Analyze whether "heaven favors the good" (天道无亲，常与善人)
   - Note contradictions between virtue and reward

4. **Draw Conclusions**
   - Acknowledge uncertainty about cosmic justice (余甚惑焉)
   - Recognize that moral behavior does not guarantee material success

## Expected Outcomes
- Clear-eyed assessment of virtue-reward correlation
- Understanding that worldly success and moral character may diverge
- Basis for ethical decision-making independent of expected rewards

## Validation
1. Verify test cases include both virtuous sufferers and wicked prosperers — a one-sided sample produces biased conclusions
2. Confirm that documented evidence includes specific behaviors (积仁絜行) and specific outcomes (starvation, longevity), not vague generalizations
3. Check whether conclusions honestly acknowledge uncertainty (余甚惑焉) rather than forcing a neat moral narrative