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.
Classical Confucian ideas, particularly Min Ben, can be reinterpreted to support a governance model that prioritizes both the well-being and participation of the people.
The Confucian emphasis on relational ethics fosters a communal approach to justice, advocating for responsibility towards the needs of both individuals and society at large.
Deep dives
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.
The Role of the People in Confucian Political Thought
Min Ben translates to 'the people as the basis,' derived from ancient Chinese classics, underscoring their importance to rulers. While some scholars argue for a democratic interpretation of this concept, it is understood in Confucianism that the government’s legitimacy relies on its care for the people. This connection to the people's well-being does not imply they should govern themselves, but it opens the possibility for modern adaptations that encourage the argument for democracy. The Confucian perspective posits that a government's stability is contingent upon the acknowledgment of its actions by the populace, supporting the notion of government by the people rather than merely for them.
Freedom of Speech and Expression in Confucianism
Although there is no explicit endorsement of freedom of speech within classical Confucian texts, principles such as respectful remonstration highlight the importance of ethical consideration in one’s expression. Confucius was skeptical of unrestrained speech and emphasized the significance of speaking with purpose and in alignment with one's actions. This allows for the development of a contemporary Confucian view that advocates for freedom of speech, emphasizing responsible use rather than reckless expression. Such a perspective not only supports ethical discourse but also allows for dissent against authority when there is a moral obligation to speak out.
Confucianism's Approach to Global Justice
Confucianism presents a relational perspective on ethics that substantially diverges from Western individualistic theories of justice. Rather than viewing justice as a matter of redistribution among individuals, Confucian thought emphasizes the interconnectedness of relationships and the ethical obligation to share resources within networks. This relational ethics acknowledges that what one possesses is often cultivated through the support of others, and taking responsibility for those in need is imperative. Therefore, the Confucian approach to global justice advocates for concern beyond familial ties, pressing for a compassionate and responsible stance towards global issues, accommodating flexible boundaries in addressing the needs of humanity.
