Institutionalized Confucianism

Author: Gan Chunsong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: This book reflects on the shortcomings of narrowing Confucianism to a study of human nature and morality since modern times, particularly by the New Confucians. It advocates for examining the true nature and future development space of Confucianism by combining spiritual ideals with realistic institutions. The book focuses on three central issues. The first is the relationship between Confucianism and China's traditional political systems and social order. The second discusses how Confucianism faced the complex process of institutional disintegration and reconstruction in modern China, centered around Kang Youwei and the Confucian Association. The third analyzes typical cases like the criticism of Lin Biao and Confucius to explore the connection between Confucianism and political and social reforms in modern China, reflecting on how to rebuild the relationship between Confucianism and the lives of Chinese people. The book argues that Confucianism should play its due role in the future development of China, and that Chinese people must fully absorb Confucian resources in the process of institutional innovation and value reconstruction. Transcending the binary opposition between tradition and modernity, as well as radicalism and conservatism, is the ideological foundation for reviving Confucian values and achieving national rejuvenation.