Confucian Theory of Government
The superior man attends to the root (1:2); things
have their roots and their branches (The Great Learning 3). Must know
what is first and what is last.
GL 4ff finds foundations for government:
A virtuous land or country
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Well-ordered state (virtues toward
others)
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Regulated families (virtues to family,
friends)
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Self-cultivation (virtues of
action)
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Rectified hearts (virtues of
feeling)
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Sincere thoughts (virtues of
thought)
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Extended knowledge
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Investigation of things
1. To govern is to rectify (12:17)
- The first step is to rectify names
(13:3)
- Rectify yourself (13:13): Lead by
example.
- If you lead correctly, orders are unnecessary
and useless (13:6)
- Meritocracy: Advance the good (2:19,
20)
2. Good government:
- attracts people
- enriches them (12:9)
- teaches them