DIVINE MANDATE AND EARTHLY POLITICS: THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY IN SHAPING THE POLITICAL THEORY OF CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION

Abstract

The modernization of Chinese society represents a complex and multifaceted endeavor, marked by both progress and significant challenges. Since the reinstatement of political science as an academic discipline in 1980, Chinese scholars have increasingly engaged with Western theoretical frameworks, incorporating theories such as democratic transition, governance of the 21st century, and modernization strategies from the 1980s. This scholarly dialogue has spurred a search for theoretical paradigms that resonate with China’s unique socio-political landscape, aiming to craft a narrative of political evolution that is inherently Chinese. Drawing upon the concept of "China as a Method," a notion pioneered by the Japanese China studies expert Yuzo Mizoguchi, this article explores the adaptation of cross-cultural academic insights to enrich Chinese political science. "China as a Method" not only emphasizes a China-centric research ethos but also proposes a foundational approach for interpreting and advancing political science research globally. It suggests that the ontological, epistemological, and methodological frameworks developed through this lens can serve as robust tools for understanding political dynamics universally. This approach aligns with historical philosophical inquiries into how deeply entrenched political and philosophical traditions shape contemporary governance practices. Through comparative historical analysis, this article offers insights into the enduring influence of China’s political heritage, advocating for a model of political science that integrates philosophical interpretation with empirical research, thus providing a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind China’s path to modernization.