Confucian Constitutionalism: Dignity, Rights, and Democracy

Ongoing debates among political theorists revolve around the question of whether the overarching goal of Confucianism—serving the people's moral and material wellbeing—is attainable in modern day politics without broad democratic participation. One side of the debate, voiced by Confucian meritocrats, argues that only certain people are equipped with the moral character needed to lead and ensure broad public wellbeing. The other side, voiced by Confucian democrats, argues that unless all cit...