Search Result

Srl

Item

ID: 150101

Military ethics of Xunzi: confucianism confronts war / Yu, Yi-Ming

Yu, Yi-Ming	Journal Article
	0 Rating(s) & 0 Review(s)

Summary/Abstract

Confucius and Mencius intentionally refrained from further discussing military actions because of their consistent belief of ethical governance, thus creating a theoretical gap. This study explores the military ethics in Confucianism by analyzing Xunzi. Xunzi transformed the negative attitude toward war promoted by Confucius and Mencius and argued that war does not contradict the values of humaneness and justice because people supporting these values condemn those who violate such values. One must prevent violence and eradicate evil through war, rather than using war for personal incentives to protect the normal operation of a society. Xunzi promoted the use of temporary military actions as a means for restoring social order, changing the traditional Confucian antiwar perspective of “those who are benevolent have no enemy” advocated by Confucius and Mencius.

Key Words

Military Ethics ; Xunzi ; Confucianism Confronts War

Links

'Full Text'

In Basket

Export

ID: 174885

Xunzi’s and Kautilya’s thoughts on inter-state politics / Xuetong, Yan

Xuetong, Yan	Journal Article
	0 Rating(s) & 0 Review(s)

Summary/Abstract

Xunzi and The Kautilya Arthasastra are full of rich philosophical thoughts on inter-state relations. This article undertakes a comparison between them in terms of their methods of writing, views on the nature of inter-state systems and arguments about a state’s comprehensive power. This article finds that the leadership’s determination and emphasis on morality are two important shared mentalities between Xunzi and Kautilya. Both attribute the rise and fall of a state mainly to state leadership rather than material factors or the political system. Regarding the survival of a state, they both stress the importance of the leadership’s morality in handling inter-state affairs. Unfortunately, their ideas about leadership morality have not been whole-heartedly adopted by major powers to their foreign policy-making in the twenty-first century.

Key Words

Leadership ; Political System ; Kautilya ; Xunzi ; Inter - state Politics

Links

'Full Text'

In Basket

Export