A New Interpretation of Mozi’s Idea of “Identification with the Superior” from the Perspective of “Common Good”

Abstract

The concept of “common good” takes on various theoretical forms throughout the histories of both Chinese and Western philosophies. In “Identification with the Superior” of Mozi 墨子·尚同, Mozi endeavored to create an ideal community and advocated “unification of righteousness in the world.” He sought to integrate the complex and diverse individual wills into a collective community will, promoting the pursuit of the overall interests (“common righteousness”). According to the “common good” theory, the political proposition of “identification with the superior” (shang tong 尚同) does not represent a form of despotism but an “integrated common good” that emphasizes the “common righteousness” shared by all people. This “common good” theory encompasses two dimensions: “identification with Heaven” and “identification with the people.” Both of the dimensions underline the pursuit of “common righteousness.” Mozi’s idea of “identification with the superior” can enrich the “common good” theories in the world and highlight the universal significance of traditional Chinese political thought and the distinctive path of thinking based on the universal significance.

Keywords

common good / Mohism / identification with the superior / integrated common

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