Abstract
In this article, I explain Mencius, Mozi, Hanfeizi, and Xunzi from Machiavellianian perspective. The four thinkers agree to using punishment in order to protect the state from wars and promote the welfare of the people. In Mencius, the king with piety cannot hesitate in using punishment. Punishment is absolutely necessary to actualize love for the people in the form of policies. Hanfeizi and Xunzi argue that social order cannot be sustained without severe punishment. Mozi stresses consensus between the king and the people. Without consensus or trust, punishment does not function as the controller of social security. Hanfeizi pairs law and punishment that is monopolized by king. Xunzi legitimizes severe punishment including corporal punishment which sage kings rely on and support to lead people to good.
| Translated title of the contribution | Rethinking Kingship in Early Chinese Philosophy |
|---|---|
| Original language | Korean |
| Pages (from-to) | 29-84 |
| Number of pages | 26 |
| Journal | 동방학 |
| Issue number | 48 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Feb 2023 |