Yin And Yang Theory And The Formation Of The Qin And Han Dynasties Unified Polity

Yin-Yang (negative and positive forces) and Wu-Xing (five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth) are the law of thought for Chinese and the framework of the Chinese culture. The thought has appeared at Xia Shang and Zhou Period and became mature at Zhanguo Period. Until Han dynasty, Yin-Yang and Wu-Xing had already become very popular and played most important function in the formation of political system.Yin-Yang and Wu-Xing are not only a mod of thinking but also a kind of philosophy category. The original idea was to illustrate the nature, and the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth were regard as the basic elements. On the basis of it, statesmen of Qin-Han dynasties established the Imperial power system and cosmology. The feudalization on Xizhou period was an instrument to manage a stable country. The system of prefectures and counties replaced feudalization in Qin dynasty but was destroyed before long. The reason is that there was lack of theoretical report in Qin dynasty's political system. During the Han dynasty, Dongzhongshu introjected Yin-Yang and Wu-xing with Confucianism and propounded Grand Unification theory. On the one hand the theory has provided the basis to the imperial authority rationality on the other hand it has effectively suppressed power inflation.The paper consists of four chapters, in chapter one the author explains the two concepts of Yin-Yang ,Wu-Xing and how had they developed into a philosophy theory. Chapter two reviews Zouyan's theory and all his life and also concludes his thought motive and academic thought value. In chapter three, the author explores the relations between Yin-yang Wu-xing and Grand unification theory. The scripture《Lvshichuanqiu》developed the theory and attempted to lead Qin dynasty to a different way, but Emperor Qinshihuang neglected the essence so caused the destruction of Qin dynasty. In chapter four, the author concludes that the system of Grand unification had already been matured in Han dynasty."Unity of Heaven and Humanity''has entrusted with the rich meaning, and became the ideology of the country. When《Baihutong》was written as a kind of constitution, the thoughts of Yin-yang Wu-xing were rooted in people's ideals deeply and the political system of Grand unification had been completed.