Chinese & Japanese Political Thoughts Discussion

Poli 113 Chinese / Japanese political thoughts

Answer questions and reply to peers

1. Does the notion of the “Mandate of Heaven” fulfill the purposes of the Socratic noble lie effectively? (reply 150 words)

Ruilin Hu:

(reply / comment peer 100 words)
Although the “Mandate of Heaven” might have been a preferable Socratic noble lie for the rulers of ancient China, this theory lacks explanations of specific questions I seek answers for in my personal and professional life. For example, the Confucian “Mandate of Heaven” focuses on the possibility of overthrowing a terrible ruler who failed to care for the people (Chan 93). Precisely because it fabricates the noble lie from a broad perspective, Confucius’s philosophy summarizes the noble lie by requiring people to follow the will of Heaven (45). I have to admit that this concept of Heaven’s appointment might be a comforting thought in peaceful times, during which I do not have to make difficult decisions constantly. However, it failed to provide practical guidance to ordinary individuals on what to do during such a revolution. Since I have hardly waited for external directions in my life, and I do not “read between the lines” of everyday activities, I will feel baffled if I try to follow the “Mandate of Heaven” in chaotic times.

Poli 131 – The Chinese revolution

Question :

1. Why do you think Chinese intellectuals would have been attracted to Marxism in the early 20th century, despite China’s “backwardness””? What problems would they have encountered in applying it to China?  ( reply 150 words )

Jing Zou  ( comment / reply 150 words )
I think that Chinese intellectuals in the 20th century would be attracted to Marxism in several ways. The first is that Marxism brought enlightened ideas to Chinese intellectuals; for example, the New Culture Movement. In these movements, Marxism was converted into a guiding ideology in the capacity of being a foreign idea. Second, the demand of the working class that Marxism espoused historical materialism; and advocated a society in which labor and capitalism developed together. In the 20th century China, Marxism became the immediate need of the working class; it naturally became the demand of the people in practice. When foreign cultures flowed in when a country needed a dominant ideology; and just in time for the country’s development, they attracted intellectuals and became the main direction of development. They encounter difficulties in applying it to China, such as trying to change the traditional thinking of the people; thus accepting the new guiding ideology. Or, to understand the true meaning of Marxism and the changes it can bring to Chinese society.

 

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