To illustrate the overall content and historical significance of Xun Zi＇s political philosophy, this paper proceeds as follows. First, it reviews previous research on ideas of li （ritual and social norms） and discu...To illustrate the overall content and historical significance of Xun Zi＇s political philosophy, this paper proceeds as follows. First, it reviews previous research on ideas of li （ritual and social norms） and discusses why Xun Zi＇s theory of li has been undervalued. Second, it briefly introduces my earlier study of this issue, The Confucian Quest for Order.＂ The Origin and Formation of the Political Thought of Xun Zi. Third, it proposes an analytical framework that highlights the intellectual characteristics and historical role of li in the Xunzi. This framework analyzes li in the broad sense, differentiating between the theory of li, li as an institution and li as a way to the restoration of order. Fourth, it describes some intellectual characteristics of the Xunzi＇s theory of li as a way to order. Based on these discussions, this paper argues that Xun Zi＇s theory of li as a way to order is a political philosophy with a broad vision which goes beyond the framework of a single dynasty or state to cover the history and modes of existence of human society as a whole.展开更多
文摘To illustrate the overall content and historical significance of Xun Zi＇s political philosophy, this paper proceeds as follows. First, it reviews previous research on ideas of li （ritual and social norms） and discusses why Xun Zi＇s theory of li has been undervalued. Second, it briefly introduces my earlier study of this issue, The Confucian Quest for Order.＂ The Origin and Formation of the Political Thought of Xun Zi. Third, it proposes an analytical framework that highlights the intellectual characteristics and historical role of li in the Xunzi. This framework analyzes li in the broad sense, differentiating between the theory of li, li as an institution and li as a way to the restoration of order. Fourth, it describes some intellectual characteristics of the Xunzi＇s theory of li as a way to order. Based on these discussions, this paper argues that Xun Zi＇s theory of li as a way to order is a political philosophy with a broad vision which goes beyond the framework of a single dynasty or state to cover the history and modes of existence of human society as a whole.
