A Confucian Theory of Property

22 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016 Last revised: 26 Jan 2017

See all articles by Norman Ho

Norman Ho

Peking University School of Transnational Law

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Date Written: April 1, 2016

Abstract

Based on an analysis of the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, this article sets forth a Confucian justificatory theory of private property. I argue that such a theory is a pluralist theory, simultaneously based on numerous theoretical bases or strands. First, it justifies property based on a theory with utilitarian overtones – namely, that people will be better off in a private property regime as it will lead to a more stable, harmonious, and orderly society. Second, a Confucian theory of property justifies a private property regime as essential in allowing individuals to fulfill, express, and/or practice key, specific Confucian virtues, which in turn allows for full moral development (we might understand this conceptually as a Confucian version of a personhood/human flourishing theory of property). Third, it justifies property based on an economy efficiency theory – that is, private property is key to the smooth functioning of a trade-based economy. All three strands are linked together by a common concern for the moral development of the individual. This article is important for two major reasons: first, it serves as a corrective to the often heard stereotype that Confucianism is not supportive of property rights; and second, it can contribute to the field of property theory as a whole by offering a coherent and integrated theory which weaves different justificatory property theories together.

Keywords: property law, property theory, Chinese law, Confucianism, legal theory, Chinese legal theory, Chinese property law

Suggested Citation

Ho, Norman, A Confucian Theory of Property (April 1, 2016). Tsinghua China Law Review, Vol. 9, No. 1 (2016). , Peking University School of Transnational Law Research Paper No. 16-11, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2767275

Norman Ho (Contact Author)

Peking University School of Transnational Law ( email )

Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School
University Town, Xili, Nanshan District
Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055
China

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