The Theory of Rituals and Social Norms in the Core Chapters of the Guanzi and Its Relationship with the Xunzi
Author: Masayuki Sato
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Abstracts
One salient characteristic of Xunzi’s theory on li (rituals and social norms) is its comprehensiveness. This article aims to elucidate this aspect of Xunzi’s thought by means of analyzing a possible influential relationship between Guanzi’s concept of li and that of Xunzi. This article also aims to shed some lights on the role of the concept of li in the system of political thought contained in the Guanzi. This article demonstrates that the “core chapters” of the Guanzi argue that the attainment of the peace and the order of a country should be predicated on (1) a cultivation of people who possess a sense of morality and shame; and (2) the establishment of appropriate court decorum, ranks and titles, and costumes. Although the Guanzi does not use the term liyi (rituals, social norms and morality) in describing this ideal picture of statecraft, the aforementioned two elements show a striking similarity with the Xunzi’s proposals concerning the realization of an ideal society. Based on this observation, the article argues that to the extent that the concept of li (rituals and social norms) is the central idea in the political philosophy of the Xunzi, the Guanzi’s conception of court decorum, ranks and titles, as well as costume as means of materializing one’s moral excellence, should be regarded as a major source for Xunzi’s philosophy.