Research On Hsun-tse’s Administrative Ethical Thoughts And Their Contemporary Value

Based on the current research findings of administrative ethics, this paper divides the administrative ethics of Hsun-tse into four basic parts, namely, the basic theory, the basic concepts, the basic principles and the norms about administrative ethical thoughts. The study put them into the evolutionary process of the administrative ethics during the pre-Qin in China. Furthermore, the writer expounded the contemporary value of Hsun-tse’s administrative ethical thoughts.During the Spring and Autumn Period, the Zhou royal family’s power was declining whereas the feudal lords’power was expanding. "Zhou Rites" were faced with a series of new problems. It triggered off the debate among the different schools, which lasted to the end of the Warring States Period. Hsun-tse summarized the different pre-Qin schools of thoughts and put forward his philosophy of man and nature as well as the theory of human nature, which constitute his theoretical foundation.The philosophy of man and nature contains three levels of basic content, namely,"Nature has constant rules in its operation","There is the division between man and nature", "Man needs to grasp destiny and put it to use"and "There is linking and communication between man and nature". Based on this notion of man and nature, Hsun-tse put forward his theory of human nature which consists of "the evil human nature" and "the necessity of transforming one’s nature through education". The main connotation of his theoretical system is the relationship between ethical codes and laws. He constructed his administrative ethical concepts based on this philosophy. His conceptions contain mainly the social concept of "group-division", the political view of "function-division", and the social justice concept of "utmost justice". These concepts crystallize into basic codes of administrative ethical principles in the national political life. The principles are mainly "combining benevolence and tyranny", "upholding rites and laws", "pursuing political stability and benevolence towards the people", and "respecting and employing virtuous talents". The criteria contain mainly "cultivation of one’s moral character in order to behave oneself", "dedication to one’s work", "holding power with clean hands", "administering power with justice ", "consolidating the foundation and economizing expenses", and "different positions demanding corresponding responsibilities". Hsun-tse’s administrative ethical thoughts have important implications for the administrative ethics building during the social transformation period in China. It would be conducive to strengthening the cultivation of administrators’morality and enhancing their legal awareness. It would also help the administrative system and its personnel to administer power in the interest of the people and advance the process of integrating the rule of law with the rule of virtue.