Ideology Of Confucian Rule Of Virtue And Analysis Of Its Practical Significance

"During the process of building socialism with Chinese Characteristics and developing socialist market economy, we should insist on strengthening the socialist legality construction, run the country by law, and insist on strengthening the socialist morality construction at the same time, ruling the country by virtue". "Combine legality construction with morality construction tightly, combine running the country by law with ruling the country by virtue tightly." The meaning of bring forward "ruling the country by virtue" lies in appealing to whole society to pay more attention to the value of morality, to establish socialist ideological and moral system which matches with the socialist market economy, socialist laws and Chinese traditional virtues in order to make running the country by law and ruling the country by virtue complement go well each other so that to impel the development of society.In our country, " rule of virtue " thought has long history. Chinese traditional Confucianism advocates the strategy of rule of virtue in ruling of the country and society, and stresses morality in administration of the country. By organizing and analyzing traditional Confucian doctrine of rule of virtue, this essay aims at serving at a historical reference of experience for modern times.China's traditional Confucian doctrine of rule of virtue stemmed from consanguinity and patriarchal system in ancient times and had solid social foundation. Both the contents and structure of Confucian doctrine of rule of virtue were stamped with the brand of the times. This doctrine holds the belief that whether a nation is in prosperity or in decay depends on the ruling class, especially the monarch. Therefore, the cultivation of the monarch's and ruling officials' morality should be a first priority. However, the social standing of the monarch and stability of the nation can't be separated from the support of the masses. Confucianism further stresses the people-oriented governing policy and that the monarch should love the people, benefit the people and cultivate the people, and that benevolent government should be exercised. Furthermore, Confucians realized that the benevolent and strict government should complement each other and put forward the governing strategy where morality teaching is the principal way of ruling while punishment serves as supplement. They believed that only in this way could the government of the feudal monarch be well maintained.The idea and way of rule of virtue as ruling policy had had some positive effect in history. Firstly, this idea, which was the outcome of certain historical circumstances of ancient China, had played a very important role in stabilizing the social political system in ancient China. Secondly, people-oriented ideology, which is the essence of Confucian rule of virtue, reflects the will and requirement of the massed to some degree, and it had been very effective in improving the masses living environment and conditions and their social status. It also had progressive significance in improving reactionary politics caused by feudal despotism. Thirdly, the emphasis on the ideological and ethical standard of ruling monarch and officials restricted their immoral behavior to some degree. Besides, Confucian explanation of the relationship between morality and law is of some significance. On the other hand, Confucian doctrine of rule of virtue inevitably has its limits due to its inborn contradiction and historical conditions. Firstly, in the aspect of carrying out rule of virtue, the Confucianism placed its hope on the ruling of the Majesty, which was the combination of morality and status. Proclaiming of rule of virtue and advocating of government of the Majesty are theoretical mistakes in Confucianism. Secondly, Confucianism advocates people-orientation and love of people, which, in nature, is manipulation of people. People are only tools in maintaining the benefits of the ruling party. Lastly, The Confucian watch morals above anything, set store by morals but light punishment, and...