| "De", a concept of great importance, occupies a significant position in Pre-Qin period (a time before 221BC.) . It is interpreted by the contemporary as "morality , virtue , or noble character" , and the same understanding also goes to Master zhou's "De Zhi" , which is explained as "to rule by goodness" . Practically the original connotation of "De" came from totem , an animal or plant assumed as the emblem of a primitive clan . And latter developed into a concept of its own right in the late Spring and Autumn period(771BC.-476BC.) . The evolution of the concept had undergone a long period . The present paper, by drawing on findings and research made in the past, attempts to make a macroscopic investigation on the evolution of "De" in the Pre-Qin period . Based on the research method of historical narration and comparison, the paper takes historical documents as study object, hi the hope of offering better solutions to the following questions : (1) what are the major stages of the evolution of "De" and connotations in each stages ? (2) what are the underlying reasons for these changes and what conclusions can be draw ? The paper falls into three parts :The first part , based on the research made by others in the past, probes into the original , connotation of "De" . The results drawn shows that "De" stemmed from the concept of totem , and developed into a concept which is related to clan common law in the late primitive society , among which the right to multiply , namely , the right for survival was the most important.Starting from the religious background of a society , the second part of the paper investigates the concept of "De" in Shang and Western Zhou Dynasty . The paper makes an attempt to interpret "De" reflected in the books <> , <>, <>, <>, <> , <> , <> , <> , <>,<>which all are texts from <>. The conclusion obtained demonstrates that the concept of "De" in this period was mostly confined to the political acts of the ruler . In Shang Dynasty , the idea of "De" was formed but of little importance , with the feeling of awe to Heaven and ancestor as its core . In Western Zhou Period , "De" had gamed a significant position relation topolitical affairs , with "the protection of people" as its core . Biased on the social background of Shang and Westren Zhou Period , "De" was viewed as the reason of the kings' political acts . Shang and Zhou were patriarchal clan societies . All the social members , except aristocrat class , were living within certain clan relationship , and had no individual status . The way of political ruling was rather simple , and sheer authority was mainly exerted . Mystery and fuzziness of "De" characterized this period . This part constitutes one of the important parts in the paper.The third part makes an observation on "De" in the Spring and Autumn Period , which is approached from its behavior norms and evolution. On the one hand, people in this period still attached great importance to the role of "De" hi the political life , but the concept of "De" became more concrete and distinct. Such item as "Li" , " Yi" , "Zhong" , "Xin" ,"Ren" , could be found, and mysterious aspect of "De" began to disappear. On the other hand , with the gradual breakdown of patriarchal clan system in the social changes , the old authority had given way to individual ideology . The chaos of the social order forced politicians to give utmost prominence to political function of "Li" , and then " Li" had gradually taken the place of "De".In the late Spring and Autumn , Confucius attempted to cover the deficiency of the trend of thought by stressing on the improvement of moral norm and virtue of common people . The concept of "De" had been replaced by "Ren" , so he developed the concept of "...
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