Ancient Chinese Governance Philosophy - Notes on Reading History II

Author: Guofeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: In Notes on History Reading II: Governing Ideals in Ancient China, we will explore the concept of legitimacy in early Chinese rule—the Mandate of Heaven in the Book of Documents, as well as the perspectives of later political thinkers on the same issue. We find that the Mandate of Heaven in the Book of Documents consists of three elements: the transcendent Mandate of Heaven, the virtue of the earthly ruler, and the people. The Book of Documents affirms that the ruler is recognized by Heaven and establishes legitimate rule because of his virtue in ensuring the well-being of the people. Subsequent concepts of legitimacy largely inherit the Mandate of Heaven from the Book of Documents, evolving through the internal development of thought and external environmental demands, taking on different forms. During the pre-Qin period, the collapse of the ruling class and the disintegration of the ruling order created an open environment, allowing political thinkers to freely depict their ideal sage-kings. The conditions for the formation of the ideal sage-king are his inherent virtue. As a result, discussions on virtue have become increasingly profound and rich. This book primarily outlines theories of monarchical education, national education and learning rites, the theoretical basis and practical principles of the rule of law, and an overview of the ideas of benevolent governance and the rule of law.