Chinese Philosophy Essay

Aliyah Shubrick

Mid-Term Paper

China is a one-party state in which the Chinese Communist party holds all the power. Under their political system, China has implemented certain government rules to establish order amongst their people. These rules consist of 1. A choice of the top ruler is by high Communist Party officials rather than by democratic vote of the people, 2. The news media is controlled by the government, rather than by free private media, and there is only limited free expression about politics, 3. The government encourages capitalism and getting rich within the system, 4. Anyone who publicly and severely criticizes the national government will usually be punished. Although one may object to these communist rules, President Xi of China draw upon ancient Chinese philosophical classics in justifying how the Chinese government rules. Within the reading we’ve read thus far, Kongzi and Mozi provides passages that can justify the way China is governed and passages that do not support the way China is governed today.

Kongzi (BC551-479; better known a Confucius in the West) was the founder of Confucianism philosophy during the spring and autumn periods of Chinese history. The philosophy of Confucianism emphasized personal and governmental morality, modifying social relationships, and justice.  In simple terms, Kongzi mainly wanted to administer the country with morals and virtue. Kongzi beliefs do not completely support the rules China has implemented today.  Kongzi considered in electing people into government who are benevolent, wise, and respectful. “Kongzi believed that such people would rule skillfully; in addition, the ethical example they set would inspire others to follow them willingly, without the need of force” (Norden 19).  However, certain government rules were not influence by Kongzi beliefs. This is why corruption, materialism, and envy are present within the Chinese government. If you desire goodness, then the common people will be good (Norden 19).  Base on the rules mention above, the Chinese government desire power and control rather than goodness. The government gain power and control by not only fulfilling top hierarchy positions but by restricting citizen’s voice through limiting their freedom of speech and controlling what is shown on the media. Also citizens are punished if they publicly and severely criticize the national government. Restricting humans of its basic right and instilling fear will create anger within the community which can cause rioting and corruption. The common people will not become good in this approach.

Kongzi was appointed into government office in the state of Duke of Lu, where Kongzi shared his beliefs but was ignored. The government consisted of three wealthy families, whose members became the prime minister of Lu. “Kongzi complained that the Three families taxed the people to pay for warfare and personal luxuries and usurped prerogatives and government authority that they were not entitled to” (Norden 19). The government officials of Duke of Lu were getting rich within the system by using the citizens of their community. The Three families were abusing their power by stealing from their people.  Therefore Kongzi would not support the Chinese government encouraging capitalism and getting rich within the system. Kongzi believe the state as a whole benefit from capitalism not just government officials.