ความชอบธรรมและการล้มล้างทรราช มุมมองของลัทธิขงจื่อในประวัติศาสตร์จีน

Abstract

Legitimacy in politics, according to Confucian viewpoint, originated from the two sources, i.e. the Mandate of Heaven and the virtues of individual rulers. Confucianism requires all rulers, whether coming to the throne hereditarily or by overpowering tyrants, are required to deliver justice on behalf of heaven. Meanwhile, the individuals’ virtues are seen as the main factors to judge whether the said rulers were able to maintain the Mandate of Heaven or not, and to exert pressure on them to act with righteousness. Confucian political philosophy is regarded as highly conservative, focusing strictly as it does on virtues, ethics, and observation of customs. Nevertheless, it also presents discourses to be used against tyrants, thereby giving legitimacy in overthrowing them.