Second try, maybe I am lucky this time
As the title says I am looking for a book that gives a broad explanation of East Asian morals as well as a comparison to European thinking in this area. I was hoping someone could recommend a book that is neither to focused on one or two particular aspects and therefore lacks a broad perspective, nor overgeneralizes and simplifies these complex issues too much.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Sorry for the late reply on your post, and apologies for missing this thread the first time you posted it. In light of that, I'll do my best to help you.
To my knowledge, the broadstroked information that you are seeking does not quite exist as one complete volume/set in terms of comparing East Asian belief systems directly to European beliefs. Additionally, that is a very broad topic to cover, and it would be incredibly difficult to concisely and accurately label 'ethics' of multiple nations across time. This being said, i can provide some general books to help you from the East Asian side of things for the time being. Also, I did answer a question comparing Japanese Bushidô to European Chivalry, which I will also provide below
Books
So, I have a few decent recommendations for this realm, that can hopefully at least start you down the right path. Sorry if they favor Japan, that area is more my area of expertise.
Firstly, if possible I would take a look at the Confucian Classics/Analects. Confucianism plays a pretty significant role when it comes to the development of beliefs within East Asia, due to the nature of China's dominance in the region for such an extended period of time. These are a good baseline when it comes to understanding Korea(s), China, and Japan.
Bushido: The Soul of Japan - Nitobe Inazo. This one is tricky to recommend, however I do think it is worth it. This was specifically written to appeal to Westerners after Japan's Meiji Restoration. It was also written during a time where multiple other discourses on the topic of bushido were being written in an attempt to establish an identity for Japan.
A History of Japan - Conrad Totman. This one is a general survey of Japanese history, so it should be able to provide that wide berthed aspect you seek.
Sources of East Asian Tradition - William Theodore de Bary. There are multiple volumes of this particular series, but the volumes cover China, Japan, and Korea. Definitely worth trying to read through them, despite how many pages each one has.
Imperial China: 900-1800 - Frederick W. Mote. This book is obviously focused on Chinese history, specifically the Dynastic period of Chinese history. Mote does an excellent job outlining the complicated history of Chinese legitimacy during dynastic shifts in addition to discussing 'Sinicization' and its permeating effects, whether intended or not, in the surrounding area(s).
Korea's Place in the Sun - Bruce Cumings. I have to read this still, but it has been recommended to me by multiple people as an excellent place to start when approaching Korean History.
The Making of Modern Japan - Kenneth B. Pyle. A favorite of mine, Pyle does a great job laying out the transitions Japan underwent in the late 19th century/early 20th century. The book isnt too long either which is a plus.
Inventing the Way of the Samurai: Nationalism, Internationalism, and Bushido in Modern Japan - Oleg Benesch. This one is small, but very dense in terms of material. Dr. Benesch does an amazing job analyzing the complexities of bushido and its place within Japanese society, both in the past and moving forward. I only recommend this because you requested ethics, and well, this is as close as i can offer in that regard.
I hope all these options are viable for you. I am also leaving a link to a question I answered below that can hopefully help you more. Feel free to ask any additional questions and Ill do my best to help you.