Article
China’s First Liberal
The Independent Review
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2012
Disciplines
Abstract
Although he was not a full liberal in the modern sense, Mozi (c. 470–391 B.C.E.) espoused some classical-liberal principles long before Locke and Voltaire. Moreover, although his views often run counter to pervasive Confucian norms, his insights about equality before the law, the dangers of the predatory state, militarism, and a social order based on rational self-interest could serve as a reference point for building a liberal society in the new China.
Citation Information
Evan W. Osborne. "China’s First Liberal" The Independent Review Vol. 16 Iss. 4 (2012) p. 533 - 551 ISSN: 1086-1653 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/evan_osborne/39/