Thomas Crone Knihy

Focusing on the historical development of guilt in early Chinese thought, this study explores synonyms related to wrongdoing during the pre-Qin period. It highlights the significant role of shame within the Confucian value system while revealing the nuanced understanding of guilt that has been overlooked in scholarly discussions. By examining the synchronic and diachronic aspects of these terms within their sociopolitical context, the research challenges the prevailing view of early China as solely a "shame culture," showcasing the complexity of its moral discourse.

Early Chinese inscriptions show that already the kings of the Western Zhou period (1045-771 BCE) called upon officials to submit remonstrances. However, it was not until the Warring States period (fifth century BCE to 221 BCE) that remonstrance was explained to mean that monarchical rule would be optimized if officials could object to the monarch's decisions. This book examines the history of remonstrance in China from conceptual, institutional, literary, and comparative perspectives, pointing out parallels to European institutions and the expression of dissent in modern China. Special attention is paid to the historical semantics of remonstrance, the strategies and intentions of remonstrants, and the perspective of the rulers who instrumentalized criticism to pursue their own goals.