Adventures in Chinese Realism

Book excerpt: Realism, or Legalism, was once a significant influence in classical Chinese philosophy, later eclipsed by Confucianism. Its ideas, however, remain alive and powerful. Realists propose dealing with real-world problems using real-world instruments, such as incentives, rewards, institutions, and punishments. Adventures in Chinese Realism updates Chinese Realism to explain contemporary political and philosophical issues in a matter-of-fact, thought-provoking way. Contributors to this volume demonstrate how many of the Legalist recipes for creating strength, security, and order can be applied today. In many areas—international relations, corporate ethics, the organization of the public sector, and the roles that bureaucrats and politicians play—Realism offers unique ways to align these inherently particularistic actions with the broader common good.