History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China HPC 21. Sor-Hoon Tan on Confucian Democracy
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Jan 12, 2025 Sor-Hoon Tan, a Professor at Singapore Management University and an expert in Confucianism and democracy, dives deep into the adaptation of Confucian ideas for modern democratic contexts. She explores the historical dynamics between Confucianism and democratic ideals, emphasizing the importance of community welfare over elite interests. Tan advocates for gender equality and LGBTQ rights within a reinterpreted Confucian framework. Additionally, she discusses how Confucian principles can contribute to global justice, promoting a communal approach to resource distribution.
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People As The Basis Of Government
- Min Ben (the people as basis) implies government must care for people rather than rule over them.
- This opens a path from government for the people to government by the people in modern context.
Legitimacy Through Popular Response
- Confucian texts link rulers' legitimacy to how they treat the people.
- Popular acceptance can stabilize or overturn government, providing a seed for democratic legitimacy.
Freedom Paired With Responsible Speech
- Confucius distrusts reckless speech and values saying the right thing at the right time.
- A Confucian freedom of speech would pair liberty with responsibility and attention to consequences.