Title

Confucianism’s Compatibility and Contention with the Dictatorship – the Legalist Tendency in Tung Chung Shu’s Philosophy 

Author

Tung-shun Lin 

Genre

Article  

Pages

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Language

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Abstract

67-96 

    The relationship between Confucianism and the dictator regimes has been peculiar since Han dynasty. On one hand, Confusionism maintained a tint of tension with the regime in power. On the other hand, it enjoyed the status of being the authorized dogma. However, it was more often than not that the Confucian withheld their contending power and played the alternative role, which was compatible with the ruling power. The present article intends to accounts for this phenomenon by unveiling the Legalist nature hidden in the Confucians since Han, using Tung Chung Shu’s philosophy as one an example. 

    Although Tung’s thought may present an epitome of the relationship between the dictatorshop and the ongoing development of Confucianism, it only served as one example showing how the dictatorship might have shaped Confucianism. Close examinations of more cases are wanted before the purposed view can gain a sound position.