Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.12, 2017

The Joint Governance of Morality and Law on the Foundation of the Humanistic Spirit of Ancient Chinese Society

(Abstract)

Zhu Yong

Ancient Chinese society advocated a humanistic spirit which upheld the principle of using human strength and wisdom to solve the governance problems facing mankind. In the same period, other countries imbued the law with legitimacy, authority and even sanctity through the combination of law and religion. In ancient China, the combination of law and morality founded on a humanistic spirit achieved outstanding results in the control of officials and governing the lower ranks of society. This mode of governance maintained national unity, social stability and cultural continuity, demonstrated the humanistic sentiments of Chinese culture, and embodied the cultural self-confidence of the Chinese people. The law drew on morality to gain its own legitimacy and, through the support of morality, carried out its functions of adjusting social relations and regulating social order. This spirit exerted a significant influence on traditional Chinese law itself.