Por que a Moralidade, e não a Força ou a Lei? Reflexões do confucionismo Pré-Qin sobre os princípios da vida e da governança

Why Morality, and not Force or Law? Reflections from Pre-Qin Confucianism on the Principles of Life and Governance

Abstract

During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the relationship between morality, law, and coercive power became a key concern in Confucian moral and political philosophy. Confucius asserted that both daily life and political governance should be guided by moral principles. Although he acknowledged the utility of law, he emphasized that its application must be aligned with the generative and inclusive nature of benevolence(ren, 仁), and must not devolve into harsh and punitive rule. Mencius, grounded in the belief in the innate goodness of human nature, held that, provided with adequate living conditions, individuals would spontaneously actualize the virtues of benevolence (ren, 仁), righteousness/justice (yi, 义), ritual propriety (li, 礼), and wisdom (zhi, 智) in everyday life. Hence, rather than relying on retributive punishment, Mencius advocated for the creation of favorable conditions and the cultivation of moral and political agency among the people. Xunzi, while upholding the Confucian view that morality holds primacy over law and coercion, developed a more integrative framework wherein law and
force are seen as instrumental tools that serve the ultimate end of moral cultivation. This allowed him to construct a more comprehensive and compatible Confucian system of thought.

Keywords: Pre-Qin Confucianism; Moral Practice; Political Governance; Norms of Everyday Life.