Hegel's Interpretation of Chinese History

Abstract

<p>In the Philosophy of History. Hegel argues that the empire of ancient China constitutes the beginning of history. While lithe end of history as a fundamental problem has been commented on extensively in 20th century Hegel scholarship, lithe beginning" has been relatively neglected. This thesis is an attempt to fill an existing gap. It examines Hegel's interpretation of Chinese history in the context of his political and historical philosophy as a whole. It argues that his interpretation proceeds from the vantage point of western modernity. While modern ethical life. according to Hegel. is characterized by the dialectical relationships between the family. civil society. and the state. Chinese ethical life does not differentiate beyond the ethical substance of the family. The Chinese state is model led on the structure of the family and ethical-political duties are defined in terms of filial obligations: moral subjectivity and autonomy which precede modern ethical life are lacking in Chinese culture. Because of the non-differentiation of the Chinese ethical substance. Chinese history is essentially static or non-dialectical. on Hegel's view. In the last two chapters. this thesis attempts to determine the insights as welI I as the limitations of Hegel's account of China in the context of the fundamental changes which modern China has undergone and is still undergoing.</p>