Adventures in Chinese Realism: Classic Philosophy Applied to Contemporary Issues

Realism, or Legalism, was once a significant influence in classical Chinese philosophy, later eclipsed by Confucianism. Its ideas, however, remain alive and powerful. Realists propose dealing with real-world problems using real-world instruments, such as incentives, rewards, institutions, and punishments. Adventures in Chinese Realism updates Chinese Realism to explain contemporary political and philosophical issues in a matter-of-fact, thought-provoking way. Contributors to this volume demonstrate how many of the Legalist recipes for creating strength, security, and order can be applied today. In many areas-international relations, corporate ethics, the organization of the public sector, and the roles that bureaucrats and politicians play-Realism offers unique ways to align these inherently particularistic actions with the broader common good.