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<p>The principle of <i>xieju</i> 絜矩 (measuring square), originating from the Confucian classic <i>Great Learning</i>, represents a foundational ethical-political concept in Chinese philosophy that emphasizes moral reciprocity and social harmony. Although its influence declined during the modern era, interest in this principle has revived over the past decades. Scholars have traced the evolution of the concept of <i>xieju</i>, from its integration into Neo-Confucian ethics by Z<span>hu</span> Xi 朱熹, to its pragmatic expansion for institutional governance by W<span>ang</span> Fuzhi 王夫之 and its empathetic and relational dimensions as interpreted by D<span>ai</span> Zhen 戴震 and J<span>iao</span> Xun 焦循, to its application in international relations by G<span>uo</span> Songtao 郭嵩燾. By bridging traditional Chinese philosophy with modern ethical and political thought, the principle of <i>xieju</i> provides a valuable framework for understanding the relationship between individual virtue, effective governance, and collective well-being in an interconnected world. Contemporary scholarship calls for reconsideration of the ethical essence of <i>xieju</i> to meet with such urgent topics as moral disagreements, social inequality, ethics of leadership, and global cooperation. This article reviews current studies on the major developments of the concept across historical periods, examining its criticisms and scholarly debates in diverse intellectual contexts. It also explores contemporary reinterpretations of <i>xieju</i>, highlighting its theoretical richness and enduring relevance in our rapidly changing world.</p>

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State of the Field Report XVI: Contemporary Chinese Studies of the Principle of Xieju (Measuring Square) in the Great Learning

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月14日

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  • Cheng Wang

摘要

The principle of xieju 絜矩 (measuring square), originating from the Confucian classic Great Learning, represents a foundational ethical-political concept in Chinese philosophy that emphasizes moral reciprocity and social harmony. Although its influence declined during the modern era, interest in this principle has revived over the past decades. Scholars have traced the evolution of the concept of xieju, from its integration into Neo-Confucian ethics by Zhu Xi 朱熹, to its pragmatic expansion for institutional governance by Wang Fuzhi 王夫之 and its empathetic and relational dimensions as interpreted by Dai Zhen 戴震 and Jiao Xun 焦循, to its application in international relations by Guo Songtao 郭嵩燾. By bridging traditional Chinese philosophy with modern ethical and political thought, the principle of xieju provides a valuable framework for understanding the relationship between individual virtue, effective governance, and collective well-being in an interconnected world. Contemporary scholarship calls for reconsideration of the ethical essence of xieju to meet with such urgent topics as moral disagreements, social inequality, ethics of leadership, and global cooperation. This article reviews current studies on the major developments of the concept across historical periods, examining its criticisms and scholarly debates in diverse intellectual contexts. It also explores contemporary reinterpretations of xieju, highlighting its theoretical richness and enduring relevance in our rapidly changing world.