Confucianism And Democracy

Both Confucian and Western societies have recognized the need to select intellectual for making decisions in government. In Western countries, politicians should be broad-minded in order to spot new trends, adapt to new situation in a rapidly changing world, consider long-term consequences and protect unpopular individuals and minorities. In Confucian societies, decision-making power should be placed into the hands of elites which can help develop knowledge-based societies (Bell, 2009). Meritocratic tradition, a political selection process can be compatible with democracy. It has long been present in examination system and the censorial system in China. Its ultimate goal is to select sages that can be able to rule. Meritocratic rule depends

They add that its thoughts of loyalty and propriety are believed to make it impossible for people to express their views in the process of policymaking and justify their government policy. There is also no mechanism for government to strike the balance between two parties, leading to biased decisions and unfair policies which could undermine social harmony and stability. In fact, democracy includes decisions made by majority which is also compatible with the Doctrine of Mean in Confucianism (Xu, 2006). By general consent, a consensus can be reached and a relatively acceptable decision can be made after a series of discussion. The decision made through a democratic process by majority is often regarded as an eclectic decision which aims at making compromise between two extreme political parties. In Confucianism, Doctrine of Mean in terms of decision making means putting effort to make eclectic decisions between two extremely opposite claims after discussion and consultation. The decision made though democratic process by majority is usually not extreme but relatively eclectic (Xu, 2006). Government, certainly cannot become dominant and ignore public sentiments under this principle. This principle could even complement the drawback of Western democratic elections which might select a ruler without enough motivation and competence to make a decision that can take both majorities and minorities into