Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents a panoramic and extensive exploration of Chinese political philosophy, examining key political problems of the past, and the thinkers who addressed them. As the reader will discover, China’s traditional political philosophy is one with distinctive national characteristics and ideals. Therefore, the book helps to clarify the evolution of Chinese political thought, while also investigating fundamental political issues throughout the country’s history. The book offers a unique resource for researchers and graduate students in the fields of political science, philosophy, and history, as well as ordinary readers who are interested in China’s traditional and political culture.
Trade Review“Zhang’s book enlightens and enriches the body of knowledge about the political thought of China. It contributes to a reflective anthropological, sociological, historical, political and philosophical body of scientific work. Students and Scholars within the abovementioned disciplines could benefit from this book as an essential read in Chinese political philosophical thought. It may also attract readers who are critical of China and the west and who constantly compare the two most powerful countries in the world.” (Zi Wang, Journal of Chinese Political Science, Vol. 27, 2022)
Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Germination and embryonic form: Yin Shang and Western Zhou's Political and Philosophical Concepts.- Contention of a Hundred Schools of Thought：the Convergence of the Multiple Perspectives and Purpose of the Pre-Qin Philosophers.- The Discourse on the Natural and Human Spheres of Being: The Reorganization of Concepts and the Systematization of Political Thought in the Two Han Dynasties.- The Substance of Personality: Humanity’s Awakening and the Sculpting of the Ideal Personality in Politics.- Role Paradigms: The Value of Putting People First and Reflection on the Roles of Ruler and Minister.- The Ethical Constitution: Confucian Rationalism’s Consistent Linking of Constitution and Personality in the Two Song Dynasties.- Utilitarian Confucianism: The Appeal of “Kingliness Without” from the Perspective of the Barbarians (Yi), and the Chinese (Xia).- People-oriented perspective and Yi Xia：Political Anxiety and Political Concepts in the Ming Dynasty.- Criticism and Statecraft: Extreme Heights, and the Wane of Traditional Political Philosophy in the Early and Middle Qing Dynasty.
