Xu Fuguan From The Perspective Of Social Confucianism

In modern times,the traditional Confucianism was severely criticized.As a result,it was forced to became a "wandering soul"(as Yu Yingshi called it)of the traditional society,and was faced with a series of dilemmas.Since the 1990s,Chinese culture,traditional culture and Confucianism have gradually revived.At present,scholars put forward the concept of "social Confucianism",by which they are trying to explore the road for Confucianism revival through the path of "society".Mr.Xu Fuguan is one of the representative figures of the second generation of Neo-Confucianism in modern times,and the most influential political commentator in Hong Kong.He respected the traditional Chinese Confucian culture,and wrote books in the year of fate,and spent his whole life exploring the link between Confucian thoughts and democratic politics;therefore,he was called "brave Confucian","radical Confucianism","Confucian liberalism" and so on.Findings have it that his thoughts on social Confucianism are very rich,but he does not use the concept of "social Confucianism" to define them.Bases on the current perspective of "social Confucianism",this article aims to investigate Xu's thoughts.There are three versions of social Confucianism,which are developed respectively by Xie Xiaodong,Han Xing and Tu Keguo.The thesis is divided into three chapters:The first chapter clarifies several premises of Xu Fuguan's ideological construction.First,according to Xu Fuguan,there is a clear distinction between Confucianism itself and the practice of Confucianism in history;second,Xu Fuguan's thoughts are inclusive:based on the Confucian position,he vigorously supports democratic politics,fully accepts the values of freedom,equality and human rights,approves socialism,and supports "democratic socialism";third,Xu Fuguan has a vision of globalization and a sense of human crisis,and is committed to the integration of China and the West.His "goodness" is global,not just limited within Hong Kong,Taiwan,and mainland China.Based on these premises,this paper carried out a specific analysis of Xu Fuguan's thoughts.The second chapter analyzes Xu Fuguan's acceptance of political liberalism.Xu Fuguan distinguishes the form and content of politics,draws the conclusion that "the political form remains unchanged,the political content is variable",and finally limits the form of politics to democratic politics.Xu Fuguan can clearly recognize the dilemma that Confucianism faces in history and today's society,that is,the theory cannot be implemented in the system and practice.He strongly advocates the integration of Confucian thought and democratic politics,and hopes to save Confucianism with the employment of democratic politics and introduce democratic politics with Confucianism."Social Confucianism" is a special way to deal with the relationship between Confucianism and liberalism.Political liberalism is the embodiment of liberalism in politics.Therefore,Xu Fuguan's acceptance of political liberalism undoubtedly laid the groundwork for the proposition of social Confucianism.The third chapter discusses the relationship between Xu Fuguan and the concept of social Confucianism.In order to respond to the current cultural crisis in China and the world,the academic circles put forward the concept of "social Confucianism".The introduction of Social Confucianism is conducive to the transformation and revival of Confucianism and the third development of Confucianism.But Xu Fuguan's thoughts already had the relevance elaboration,but just did not use the social Confucianism concept to define it.According to Xu Fuguan,multiculturalism and democracy can guarantee the existence and development of Confucianism.