An Attempt on Modern Political Form: the Conception of Democracy in Chen DuXiu’s Political Thought
Date Issued
2010
Date
2010
Author(s)
Hsieh, Chih-Ting
Abstract
“Democracy” has played an important role in recent day, especially in observing China’s political reformation. It is more important that how Chinese intellectuals perceive the conception of democracy. Because they are playing a key role to propagate the “new” concept to all Chinese people who have not heart about this conception since 2000 years before. This study would analyze the conception of democracy of Chen Duxiu, who was the most significant figure in modern Chinese history. The New-Culture movement was the initial stage of Chen’s idea of democracy, and he developmented his thought with the democracy thought from West. Influenced by Evolutionism, he considered that the “West Democracy” is the truth of evolution of world civilization. He also attributed the weakness of China to ignorant of the modern political conception. But he dramatically changed his viewpoint after Paris Peace Conference. Finally he accepted the theory of Communism which was influenced by Russia Revolution in 1917. He condemned the conception of “West democracy” which is the tool controlled by bourgeoisie, and advocated the “true democracy’-socialism democracy which allows all people to be the truly master of country. This thought seemed to be alternative with that in last stage, but he held the core conception of democracy which means the populace’s autonomy and activity with political affairs. The content of democracy which Chen realized also become a key resource of his conception of democracy in next stage. When Chinese Communism Party was purged by KMT in 1927, Chen changed his viewpoint of democracy again. He perceived the content of democracy with revolution tactic. Chen considered that the “institution of political liberty” is a significant element in concept of democracy. In his last years of life, he against Stalin’s dictatorship with his final idea of democracy, he considered that people’s autonomy in political affairs and the institution of political liberty are two inevitable factors in the conception of democracy.
Subjects
Chen Duxiu
China Democracy
Communism
proletarian dictatorship
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