The Democracy of the Dead: Dewey, Confucius, and the Hope for Democracy in China (Hardcover)

~ (Author), (Author) "The historical, geopolitical, and cultural differences that divide us from the Chinese make viewing China from the West a particularly challenging task..." (more)
Key Phrases: communicating community, ritualized roles, communitarian democracy, John Dewey, Hong Kong, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

A welcome addition to the growing corpus of collaborative efforts of David Hall and Roger Ames. In this volume, their concerns center on getting beyond the liberal Western tradition, both for understanding the prospects for political change in China, and to make a signal contribution to the ongoing debate on neo-pragmatism-focusing on John Dewey-in the U.S. This book is an excellent addition to the literature in both areas, and more generally to the exciting development of comparative philosophy. -- Henry Rosemont, George B. and Willma Reeves Distinguished Professor of Liberal Arts, St. Mary's College of Maryland

Product Description

Must China be transformed into a liberal democracy, complete with free enterprise capitalism, in order to successfully enter the larger world marketplace? David Hall and Roger Ames explore whether any type of democracy will figure prominently in China's future. The authors believe it is a mistake to equate modernity with westernization and rugged individualism. Hall and Ames argue that as a modern China embraces its larger role in the global marketplace, a new type of democracy will emerge-a blend of traditional Western democracy and the Eastern emphasis on community-which closely resembles John Dewey's "communitarian democracy."

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 267 pages
• Publisher: Open Court Publishing Company; 810th edition (February 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812693949
• ISBN-13: 978-0812693942
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,490,496 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Books In One, June 12, 2002

By	"miguknamja4" (Busan, ROK) - See all my reviews

Democracy of the Dead: Dewey, Confucius, and the Hope for Democracy in China is an impressive attempt at dialogue between Confucianism and American Pragmatism on the subject of fostering democratic reforms in China. It is both a history of philosophy text, highlighting Dewey's thought and subsequent Pragmatist scholars, liberalism, and Confucianism, and a polemic about the limitations of liberal thought in China. Although some acquaintance with the texts interpreted by the authors is recommended, the authors' synopses are trustworthy and ably and judiciously given. There are also generous quotes and and a and a nine-page bibliography provided.

Admittedly, I was skeptical about the authors' project, which seemed like a desperate attempt to bridge two subjects, pragmatism and Confucianism, that are both equally unprofitable, with a popular item in the news, China. I wanted an appealing interpretation of Confucianism, that would allow me to understand the cultural divide between east and west more easily. I was also interested in any study about pragmatism, which, as the authors also argue, deserves more respect. Last, I wanted a framework to understand Korean and western dialogue, since Korean interpretations of Confucianism are also relevant to Chinese reform historically, and are also a factor in Korea's relations with western countries. The book satisfied my demands more than satisfactorily.

Some readers may be angered by the authors' use of Deweyan Pragmatism to criticize traditional liberalism, but the authors have good reason. Dewey did have a small role in Chinese educational reform before the Communist Party assumed control in 1949. Dewey, and pragmatism in general, are both better exemplars of distinct American realities than liberalism. Also, using pragmatic terms, the authors couch Confucian concepts in a way more palatable and approachable.

The authors argue, that a Confucian interpretation of democracy is possible. This Confucian democracy is useful as a tool for political reform. And then, by using Deweyan thought, it is possible for Chinese and American reformers to share ideas for reform in both countries. The book, therefore, is ultimately a practical one.

The authors eschew nationalistic and philosophical bias, which is necessary for productive dialogue. This is not a book that celebrates western values over eastern ones. It has relevance also in Korea, yet, ironically, it will not convince Americans of the need for reform in their own country, especially if readers refuse to abandon implicit faith in liberal thinking. This is not a book about dead things, but a very lively, well-written, timely offering..