Research On The Economic Ethical Thought In Discourse On Salt And Iron

Discourses On salt and iron is a great masterpiece of Confucian works in Chinese history. The book recorded the debate on national policy two thousand years ago,which mainly concentrated on the introspection and reflection of several issues in Han Dynasty such as policy, military, finance and society. This book was sorted and written by Huan Kuan, a Confucian scholar,according to the statements of both sides on the debate. Discourses on Salt and Iron recorded abstract thoughts and specific ideas of our ancients’ about economic and social problems, providing the reference to economic research in modern times. This book illustrated two different thoughts and ideas about the national administration and economic development, which were excogitated by the Western Han Dynasty government officials and civil scholars. In the conference, two groups debated from the daily economic policy to economic thoughts, especially the thoughts of the economic ethics. It not only reflects the real situation that economic thoughts varied from each other at that time, but also reveals the philosophical basis of the economic thoughts in Han Dynasty. Therefore, it provides a value standard on economic thoughts in Han Dynasty and later Dynasties, and also plays a basic role on theoretical study of economic ethical thoughts.In Discourses on Salt and Iron, both two sides inherited and developed the economic ethical thoughts based on various schools of thoughts at the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring State. Compared with senior and administrative officials, folk scholars (loyally able men and literature) are typical followers of Confucian’s doctrines. On the contrary, the other side represented by Sang Hongyang has no fixed beliefs, and cites different views to support their arguments (mainly legalism ideas). They can be seen as opportunists. Based on view of the Marx doctrine, this thesis aims to draw a theoretical conclusion combined with the changing economic ethic thoughts and features of ancient China.The thesis is divided into four chapters. Chapter one introduces purpose and significance of the papers. Then, organizes the related research at home and abroad. The second chapter mainly introduces the participants in the debate and the four issues they discussed, including the debate on economic problems, the debate about the fight for the Huns and hostage policy, the debate on rule of virtue and law, the debate on the human nature. The third chapter is the most important part of this paper, pointing out that the debate between salt and iron basically is the fundamental argument about righteousness and profits. Folk scholars attach more importance to righteousness than to profit. Sang Hongyang pays attention to profit. According to the analysis of root and branch, richness and poverty, extravagance and frugality in this book, the essence is also righteousness and profits. The last chapter is the summary of economic ethical thoughts contained in the book, as well as the economic inspiration and reference to the development of Chinese current markets.