Description
For centuries, the starting points for serious thought about ethics, justice, and government were traditions founded, in China by Confucius, and in the West by his near contemporary Socrates. In both classical traditions, norms were based on human nature; to contravene these norms was to deny part of one's humanity. The Chinese and Western philosophical traditions have often been regarded as mutually unintelligible. This book shows that the differences can only be understood by examining where they converge. It describes the role of these traditions in two political achievements: the formation of the constitutions of Song dynasty China and the American Republic. Both traditions went into eclipse for similar reasons but with quite different consequences: in China, the growth of absolutism, and in the West, the inability of modern political and ethical thought to defend the most fundamental values.
Explores the strengths of the Chinese and Western classical traditions, how they shaped constitutions and the impact of their decline.
About the Author
James Gordley is W. R. Irby Distinguished University Professor at Tulane Law School, and Shannon Cecil Turner Professor of Jurisprudence Emeritus at the Berkeley Law School. He is a Fellow of The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Corresponding Fellow of The British Academy and a membre titulaire of the Academie internationale du droit compare. He has been a Guggenheim Fellow and a Fulbright Fellow. He is the author of numerous books and articles including The Jurists: A Critical History (2013), Foundations of Private Law (2006), and The Philosophical Origins of Modern Contract Doctrine (1991).
Reviews
'The sweep of Gordley's analysis is enormous, and his theory is driven through centuries of classical and modern thought. This volume will appeal to speculative minds that enjoy wide-ranging conclusions. ... Recommended.' L. L. Lam-Easton, Choice
Book Information
ISBN 9781108949613
Author James Gordley
Format Paperback
Page Count 371
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Explores the strengths of the Chinese and Western classical traditions, how they shaped constitutions and the impact of their decline.
About the Author
James Gordley is W. R. Irby Distinguished University Professor at Tulane Law School, and Shannon Cecil Turner Professor of Jurisprudence Emeritus at the Berkeley Law School. He is a Fellow of The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Corresponding Fellow of The British Academy and a membre titulaire of the Academie internationale du droit compare. He has been a Guggenheim Fellow and a Fulbright Fellow. He is the author of numerous books and articles including The Jurists: A Critical History (2013), Foundations of Private Law (2006), and The Philosophical Origins of Modern Contract Doctrine (1991).
Reviews
'The sweep of Gordley's analysis is enormous, and his theory is driven through centuries of classical and modern thought. This volume will appeal to speculative minds that enjoy wide-ranging conclusions. ... Recommended.' L. L. Lam-Easton, Choice
Book Information
ISBN 9781108949613
Author James Gordley
Format Paperback
Page Count 371
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
