Chinese Models of Order and M. Sandel's Republicanism

The text analyzes three fundamental approaches to state organization in the Chinese tradition: Confucianism, the fa tradition (Legalism), and Daoism. Confucianism emphasizes the internalization of norms and the development of virtue (ren) and ritual (li), aiming for individual self-regulation. A counterweight is the fa tradition, which bases order on impersonal standards, a system of incentives, and institutional architecture, assuming a pessimistic view of human nature. Meanwhile, the Daoist perspective warns against excessive control, which destroys natural spontaneity (ziran). The author juxtaposes these models with contemporary organizational theory and Michael Sandel's republicanism, examining the conflict between shaping citizens' character and building effective administrative mechanisms to achieve the common good.