Formation of Confucian China: Early Confucianism and the Evolution of Chinese Political Culture

Author: Lin Cunguang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: The research question addressed in this book is: Traditional Chinese society was deeply influenced by Confucian civilization. As a nation with a long history of tradition, known as "Confucian China," how did it form or evolve? How did Confucianism achieve its legitimate status as the ruling ideology or dominant force in the ideological field of traditional China? In other words, how did historical Confucianism fully integrate with the socio-political and historical-cultural realities of our nation? What cultural role did it play in history? To specifically and thoroughly grasp and explain the above questions, this book focuses on the specific historical period from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period to the Qin and Han dynasties. The ideological transformation of Confucianism in the Han Dynasty is the key to the formation of traditional "Confucian China," and the exploration and interpretation of this issue is the central theme that runs through the author's entire research. Around this theme, the author systematically discusses the theoretical essence and ideological themes of pre-Qin Confucianism, emphasizing a unique approach to understanding Confucianism that inspires new insights. Secondly, the author will re-examine the ideological essence of Confucianism in the context of the legitimate structural factors of the social system, rather than merely classifying it. Then, the ideological transformation process of Confucianism, especially the relationship patterns between Confucianism and politics during the Warring States and Qin-Han period, as well as the evolution and changes in the political culture, will be examined diachronically and dynamically. Next, through an interpretive review of Han Dynasty classics, the author will explore the academic transformation of Confucianism in the Han Dynasty and its ideological characteristics, further systematically analyzing and critiquing the ideological function of Xiang Chang Confucianism. Finally, in the conclusion, the author will briefly summarize the historical reflection on Confucianism and tentatively discuss and look forward to the future fate of Confucianism and the growth of Chinese culture.