Historical Studies (Chinese Edition)

No.2, 2015

 

The Development of the Theory of the “Five Cyclic Virtues” in the Light of the Rise and Fall of the Idea of Rule by Virtue

 

(Abstract)

  

Hu Kesen

  

The “Five Cyclic Virtues” theory created by Zou Yan deals only with the idea of the five elements overcoming one another. Combining moral, historical and natural reason, it corrected the extreme negative factors in the traditional culture of rule by virtue. When the theory changed to one in which the elements generated rather than overcame one another, its coloring of moral reason was much diminished, giving way to divination. In the Song Dynasty, the theory came under Confucian attack; vacating its position in the upper reaches of society, it neared its end. While this was happening, the widespread popular belief that the elements overcame one another gained strength, and even sought to find its way back to the upper strata. The evolution of ancient Chinese thought went through three stages: breaking through theocracy; a return to religious theology; and the reemergence of scientific reason. The Five Cyclic Virtues theory was an important part of this long process. In line with the open-closed-open development of ancient Chinese society, the form taken by the transfer of rule, a form that corresponded to the theory of the Five Cyclic Virtues, also experienced three stages: revolution, abdication and national unity.