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
|
Well-ordered state (virtues
toward
others)
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Regulated families (virtues to
family,
friends)
|
Self-cultivation (virtues of
action)
|
Rectified hearts (virtues of
feeling)
|
Sincere thoughts (virtues of
thought)
|
Extended knowledge
|
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