Abstract
This article articulates and defends an “interdisciplinary” approach to Confucian political theory and presents Confucianism as a living, dynamic entity rather than merely a reservoir of ideas contained within a set of texts. It argues for a methodology that transcends traditional textual analysis, advocating for an intersectional approach that melds normative, emancipatory, and practical dimensions. This approach seeks to capture the evolving essence of Confucianism as influenced by cultural, institutional, and individual interactions. It also promotes a “distant reading” to examine not only texts and historical debates but also institutional changes, power dynamics, and guiding principles within Confucianized societies. The study highlights the need to recognize how Confucian ideals are manifested in real history and politics and emphasizes the importance of studying the social embodiment of the political ideas in comparative political theory.
Recommended Citation
JING, Qi
(2024)
"Confucianism Embodied: An “Interdisciplinary” Approach to Comparative Political Theory,"
Comparative Philosophy: Vol. 15:
Iss.
2, Article 10.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/comparativephilosophy/vol15/iss2/10
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