Civilization and the Chinese Body Politic

A prominent political scientist argues that Western views of China are flawed due to a lack of understanding of China's own philosophical and intellectual tradition. The book provides a deep analysis of Western scholarship on China and examines how the current Chinese body politic fits with China's long-established thinking about governance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 646 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In this groundbreaking and immensely ambitious book, one of the world's foremost political scientists specializing in China presents a compelling argument that Western perceptions of China are fundamentally flawed due to the longstanding tradition of Western scholarship that approaches China from a Western philosophical and intellectual standpoint rather than seeking to understand China on its own terms through the lens of China's rich and distinguished philosophical and intellectual heritage. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of Western scholarship on China, encompassing the works of prominent thinkers such as Leibniz, Marx, Weber, and Wittfogel, and provides a detailed account of the evolution of China's own thinking about governance as reflected in the practices of successive Chinese dynasties. By delving into philosophical and intellectual approaches rather than solely focusing on theoretical or methodological frameworks, the book sheds light on the significant and growing gap between non-Chinese views of China and Chinese perspectives.

The book begins by examining the historical context in which Western scholarship on China developed, highlighting the influence of European colonialism and the subsequent Westernization of China. It argues that this Western-centric approach has resulted in a limited and distorted understanding of China, perpetuating stereotypes and biases that have hindered the development of mutual respect and understanding between the two nations.

To overcome these limitations, the book proposes a fresh perspective on China that emphasizes the importance of viewing China from its own cultural and historical context. It argues that by understanding China's philosophical and intellectual traditions, one can gain a deeper appreciation of its unique political, social, and economic systems. The book provides a comprehensive overview of China's philosophical and intellectual heritage, including the works of Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi, as well as the philosophical systems of Legalism, Mohism, and Taoism.

Through this analysis, the book demonstrates how China's philosophical and intellectual traditions have shaped its approach to governance. It shows how China's emphasis on harmony, balance, and social order has guided its political institutions, legal systems, and social norms. The book also highlights the importance of the Chinese concept of "ren," which refers to the moral and ethical principles that govern human behavior, and how this concept has been incorporated into China's political and social systems.

In addition to examining China's philosophical and intellectual traditions, the book also explores how the current Chinese body politic fits with and is the natural outcome of China's long-standing intellectual consideration of what the nature of civilized governance should be. It argues that China's political system is rooted in its historical experience and cultural values, and that it is not a product of Western influence or imposition. The book provides a detailed account of China's political institutions, including the Communist Party, the National People's Congress, and the People's Liberation Army, and how they are designed to promote the well-being and prosperity of the Chinese people.

Furthermore, the book examines how the Chinese government has implemented its policies and strategies to promote economic development, social stability, and national security. It highlights the importance of the Chinese government's emphasis on sustainable development, technological innovation, and social welfare, and how these policies have contributed to China's rapid economic growth and social progress.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of China's political, social, and economic systems. By focusing on philosophical and intellectual approaches rather than theoretical or methodological ones, it demonstrates how the huge and increasing disconnect between non-Chinese views of China and Chinese perspectives has come about. The book provides a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and the general public interested in understanding China and its place in the world.

Weight: 1380g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032287928