Abstract

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Title:: Social Contract or Autocracy: A Discussion on the Shangtong Theory of Mohist School

Keywords:: Mohist theory of shangtong; theory of social contract; democracy; autocracy

Abstract:: The debate over the Mohist theory of shangtong 尚同(conforming upward)triggered by Liang Qichao’s explanations for social contract actually reflects the differences between the theory of social contract and that of autocracy. Advocates for social contract hold that the theory of shangtong is somewhat similar to that of social contract, while supporters of autocracy believe that the theory of shangtong is tyrannical and totalitarian in essence. This academic debate is profoundly influenced by the academic trends in different periods. Also, the ambiguity shown in the Mohist thought and the book entitled Mozi 墨子 accounts for why the debate can last for nearly a century. Through this long-lasting debate, we should realize that the essence of Mo Zi’s theory was to build an ideal kingdom based on the principle of shangtong and he devoted all his life to the practice of such an ideal. All this shows that Mo Zi is characterized by Rousseau’s romanticism in spirit and Manon Phlipon Roland’s courage in action.