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Dangers of the Confucian doctrine

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A SEMINAR is taking place today and tomorrow at Hong Kong University to explore the 'Asian model' of development, championed most notably by Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's senior minister.

Proponents argue that a paternalistic form of authoritarianism, which combines free-market capitalism with an autocratic political system, is appropriate for Asia because of its Confucian traditions. Western-style democracy and human rights would lead to permissiveness, social instability and irresponsible economic decision-making.

Historically, Confucianism established an ethical code and a political philosophy which tended to maintain a patriarchal society where women were devalued, and there was strict social order in the state. In a Confucian state, people would keep to their allotted places in society.

The broad masses were virtually invisible in political terms. They were required to pay taxes, lead proper family lives according to the accepted social stratification, and obey the state. If they broke these obligations they became persona non grata.

In return, the state's job was to maintain order, and keep people reasonably fed. If the state failed to provide its people with the basic necessities, leading to long periods of suffering, then the 'mandate of heaven' was deemed to have been withdrawn. The new mandate was deemed to have passed on to whoever could seize power.

The notion of equality had no place in such an elitist Confucian state. Subjects had to obey officials because the latter were regarded as superior beings. The real meaning of Confucius' definition of the relationship between the state and the individual was: the prince's nature is like the wind, that of humble people is like the grass. When the wind blows, the grass always bends. Therefore, in a Confucian state, it was upon the notion of obedience that the community's harmony depended.

How is any of that relevant today? Perhaps one can look at Singapore, since its leaders have shaped it in accordance with how they think a modern Asian society should be. Furthermore, Singapore is championing this model for other Asians.

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