Rule by Moral Force:Basic Principle and Primary Sign of Confucian Political Morality

Rule by moral force was put forward by Confucius as fundamental for administering a country.Later on it became Confucian basic principle of political morality and clear-cut sign of political ethics.The Confucianists hold that by moral force is the minimum moral requirement directed against the ruler.While handling political affairs and running a state,the ruler must follow some moral codes,he also attaches great importance to standard effect of morality for people's behavior.Proceeding from the principle of by moral force,the Confucianists promote of virtue and policy of benevolence and oppose tyranny and harsh government.Concerning the relation betweenrule of virtueand punishment,the Confucianists maintain that of virtue is dominant and punishment is supplementary.The Confucianists not only advocate benevolent rule but also propose guiding the people with morality and regarding moral education as the foundation of the rule.Accurately grasping the Confucian thought of by moral force is of great importance to understanding Confucian political thought,moral theory and even the whole thinking system.