The Compatibility of Confucianism and Democracy

Confucianism is often viewed as contradictory to democratic ideals, especially as exemplified by the May 4th movement, where Chinese intellectuals criticized Confucianism for promoting hierarchical and submissive relationships. They believed that such a framework undermined the principles of democracy and modern governance, as it prioritized obedience within family and political structures. Despite this prevailing view, there are aspects of Confucian thought that can align with democratic principles, such as the notion of Min Ben, which emphasizes that governance should prioritize the well-being of the people. While historically Confucians accepted monarchy as the norm and did not advocate for self-governance, the idea that governance should be for the people can be reinterpreted to support the argument that governance should also be by the people.