Tokugawa Japan and Public Sphere

The idea that a ruler's love for their people will lead to the same outcome as benevolent government, highlighting the importance of social harmony.

The principle that excessive taxation will lead to resentment, anger, and ultimately, rebellion among the people. This concept suggests that government should be based on the consent of the governed.

The concept of a "society" where individuals consent or dissent to the government's rule. Government should be based on the will of the people, not just the ruler's authority.

The Confucian concept of a loss of mandate, where a ruler loses the right to rule due to failing to meet the needs of the people.

A scholarly approach focusing on the original meanings of ancient Confucian texts. It emphasizes understanding the classical language and interpreting its meaning through philological analysis.

The idea that through proper behavior and adherence to established patterns, even ignorant people can achieve good governance and moral conduct.

The focus on social institutions and their role in maintaining order and stability within a society. Government should be based on practical systems and established rules rather than solely on moral ideals.

The idea that the Way (Dao) is not simply a principle or natural law, but a practical system created by wise rulers for governing the realm. This emphasizes the importance of social order and the application of wisdom in governance.

The way of life and practices of wise and influential figures, particularly in a social and political context.

The idea that social institutions, such as laws and government, are the primary means for guiding people and shaping a civilized society.

The belief that Confucian teachings should be simplified and focused on practical lessons like filial piety, respect for elders, and honesty, rather than complex philosophical study.

The unfortunate incident where a man named Dōnyu, driven to poverty, abandoned his ill mother while seeking a better life.

The act of neglecting or abandoning one's parent, a serious moral crime in Japanese society.

The belief that the responsibility for Dōnyu's actions lies with the government officials who failed to address the social and economic conditions that led to his desperate situation.

The idea that the responsibility for societal problems rests with the leaders and officials, not just with the individual.

The act of openly disagreeing with or rejecting a prevailing opinion or practice.

A group of Japanese intellectuals who revived interest in Japanese traditions and literature in the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing the importance of ancient Japanese texts and cultural values over Chinese influences.

A key figure in the National Learning Movement who emphasized studying ancient Japanese texts, especially the Kojiki, to understand Japanese history and culture.

A central concept in Kamo no Mabuchi's thought, referring to the idea of an unbroken tradition of imperial rule in Japan, distinct from the changing dynasties of China.

A prominent figure in the National Learning Movement who emphasized a meticulous study of the Kojiki, a chronicle of ancient Japanese myths and legends.

The concept of 'pathos of things', referring to the emotional resonance and beauty found in the natural world and human experiences, as emphasized by Motoori Norinaga.

Motoori Norinaga's view of the term 'kami', encompassing deities, spirits, natural phenomena, and even extraordinary individuals, emphasizing that 'kami' represented any entity possessing supernatural power and awe-inspiring qualities.

The practice of using native Japanese pronunciations for ancient Japanese texts, as advocated by Motoori Norinaga, rejecting the use of Chinese readings.

A foundational text in Japanese mythology and history, chronicling the origin of the gods, creation myths, and the lineage of the imperial line, studied extensively by Motoori Norinaga.

An edict issued by the Shogunate in 1825, authorizing Japanese forces to fire upon any foreign ships approaching their shores. This was done to protect Japan from outside influences and maintain its isolation policy.

A political and social philosophy emphasizing self-cultivation and moral exemplarity. It was promoted by figures like Aizawa Seishisai.

A syncretic belief system blending Shinto, Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian principles, gaining prominence during the Warring States period in Japan. This philosophy emphasized a cosmic order and the harmony of nature.

A powerful Japanese shogun, posthumously deified as a deity.

A Tendai Buddhist priest, revered for developing the cult of Tokugawa Ieyasu. He helped elevate the shogun to a divine status.

A grand Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, located in Nikko, a city situated at the same distance from Edo as Ise Shrine was from Kyoto.

The testament written by Tokugawa Ieyasu, outlining his vision for governing Japan. This document included the metaphor of the "body politic", comparing the shogun's authority to the body of the nation.

The metaphor used in Tōshōgū goikun to describe the shogun's role in governing Japan. It draws parallels between the physical body and the functioning of the nation.

A shift in the meaning of the word 'public' from personal reputation to collective opinion and discourse. In Europe, this shift occurred alongside the rise of the public sphere.

The Tokugawa Shogunate's political strategy involved creating an image of overwhelming power to discourage dissent and control the populace. This image was built through both intimidation and deception.

The Tokugawa social hierarchy, divided into four classes based on status. Samurai were ranked highest, merchants lowest, with farmers and artisans in between. While the system emphasized status and privilege, the rise of commercialism in Tokugawa Japan increasingly challenged these rigid divisions.

The Tokugawa-era ie, a legal entity representing the family, served as a unit for social function, particularly related to its profession or business.

The process by which the Tokugawa Shogunate maintained its rule through a complex system of social and economic control, combining elements of force, deception, and elaborate rituals.

The tension in Tokugawa society between the formal status hierarchy and the growing economic power of merchants.

The role of Confucianism in Tokugawa society as a means of promoting social order and political legitimacy. This is seen in terms like 'Benevolent Government,' 'Loss of Mandate,' and the idea that the Way (Dao) is a practical system for governing the realm.

The historical development of the word 'public' as a shift from personal reputation to collective discourse, reflecting the rise of the public sphere in European society.

The core of Neo-Confucianism, this doctrine claims that investigating things (格物; kakubutsu) leads to the understanding of universal principles (理; ri) that govern existence. This process involves actively examining and understanding the essence of things to reveal the inherent order of the universe.

The fundamental principle or universal order (理; ri) that exists in all things. It represents the inherent nature and purpose of all things, including human beings. This principle can be understood through active investigation (格物; kakubutsu) and embodies the rational and moral order of the universe.

This concept describes the original, inherent goodness within every human being, representing the natural state of existence. However, this innate goodness can be obscured by external factors like desires and worldly distractions.

A vital energy or material force (気; ki) that permeates all things, including humans. It is the animating substance that makes up the universe and drives both physical and mental processes. This force is not inherently bad but can be influenced by external factors.

The process of cultivating one's self to achieve moral perfection. This ethical self-cultivation involves introspection, personal reflection, and the constant striving for goodness, and is crucial for achieving social harmony.

A central principle in Confucianism, this refers to the concept of governing the state with virtue and compassion. It emphasizes the ruler's responsibility to care for the welfare of the people and create a harmonious society.

Wang Yangming's interpretation of the Great Learning challenged Zhu Xi's view by emphasizing the importance of the mind (心; shin) in realizing principle (理; ri). This concept suggests that by cultivating one's own mind and reaching a state of inner harmony, one can access and embody the principle of the universe.

This concept emphasizes the role of government in shaping social order and guiding people towards moral conduct. It suggests that governments and social institutions have a responsibility to foster virtuous behavior and provide the necessary framework for a harmonious society.