Introduction to Pre-Qin Confucian Political Philosophy

Author: Zhao Ming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: This book aims to construct the logical meaning of pre-Qin Confucian political philosophy and highlight its fundamental "problem consciousness." Reconstructing order is a paramount intellectual theme of pre-Qin Confucianism. As political philosophy, pre-Qin Confucianism presents us with a landscape of conflict between the spirit and desires, and the noble and vulgar aspects of human nature. Therefore, "the Way" (Dao), "the Sage" (Shengren), and "the Gentleman" (Junzi) hold particularly important meanings in pre-Qin Confucian political philosophy. The "Sage" confirms the spiritual direction of the political system revealed by "the Way"; the "Gentleman" is the practical political actor who can truly comprehend and grasp "the Way" and strives toward the ideal political system established by the Sage. The "Gentleman's" "overcoming oneself and returning to rituals" is established as a fundamental political practice. Pre-Qin Confucianism and modern liberal political philosophy construct two different intellectual worlds, which can provide valuable resources for reflecting on the "modernity" issue.