Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Despite a plethora of studies highlighting the significant philosophical differences between classical Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism, little attention has been paid to the distinctive characteristics of the latter as a political tradition. Moreover, contemporary Confucian political theory generally derives its philosophical inspiration from classical Confucianism without paying much attention to Neo-Confucianism, its strong influences in East Asia notwithstanding. This essay shows that Yi I 李珥, a prominent 16th-century Korean Neo-Confucian, developed an inclusive and participatory vision of “rule for the people” by reformulating the Mencian ideal of a humane government. After examining Yi I’s reconceptualization of the people from passive beneficiaries of a benevolent ruler’s service into active political agents capable of forming political judgment and contributing to the public good, and discussing its normative implications in relation to humane government, this paper concludes by discussing the potential contribution Yi I’s Neo-Confucian political theory can make to contemporary Confucian political theory.
Source: Dao
Author: Sungmoon Kim
Institution: City University of Hong Kong
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Funder: City University of Hong Kong
OpenAlex ID: W4409190379