义 (Yì), translated as "righteousness" or "justice," is a core concept in Mohist philosophy that emphasizes doing what is morally correct and beneficial for society. For Mozi (墨子), Yì was deeply tied to the principles of impartial care (兼爱, Jiān'ài) and practical utility. Actions are considered righteous when they align with universal love and contribute to the collective well-being, rather than serving personal interests or social hierarchies.
Mohist Yì differs significantly from Confucian interpretations of righteousness, which are often tied to ritual propriety (礼, Lǐ) and maintaining societal roles. Instead, Mohism focuses on outcomes—Yì is achieved when actions reduce harm, promote fairness, and enhance the public good.
The principle of Yì emerged during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE) as Chinese states grappled with ethical and practical questions of governance in a time of political chaos. Mozi critiqued the prevailing Confucian emphasis on ritual and hierarchy, arguing that true righteousness lies in practical measures that benefit the many rather than the few.
Mohism’s utilitarian approach to Yì stood in contrast to other schools of thought, particularly Daoism’s emphasis on natural spontaneity and Confucianism’s focus on moral cultivation through tradition.
In modern China, Yì resonates with the CCP’s focus on fairness, justice, and societal progress. While the Mohist emphasis on universal love is less central to contemporary policy, the utilitarian approach to righteousness—aligning actions with collective benefit—aligns with the CCP’s governance philosophy.
Key CCP Applications:
Social Justice Initiatives:
Efforts to reduce poverty, inequality, and corruption reflect the Mohist principle of aligning righteousness with tangible societal benefits.
Moral Governance:
The CCP’s focus on ethical leadership and serving the people (为人民服务, Wéi Rénmín Fúwù) echoes Mohist ideas of Yì as practical morality.
Key Challenges:
Balancing Morality and Pragmatism:
While Mohism ties righteousness to utility, modern governance requires balancing ethical considerations with political and economic realities.
1. Mozi’s Critique of Hierarchical Rituals:
Mozi argued that true righteousness comes not from adhering to rituals or traditions but from actions that reduce harm and promote fairness across society.
2. CCP’s Anti-Corruption Campaigns:
Efforts to hold officials accountable for unethical behavior reflect Yì, ensuring that governance aligns with public expectations of justice and fairness.
3. Poverty Alleviation Programs:
By prioritizing the well-being of disadvantaged populations, China’s poverty reduction initiatives embody the Mohist principle of Yì as action-oriented morality.
4. Environmental Policies:
China’s push for renewable energy and pollution control aligns with Yì, reflecting a commitment to benefiting both current and future generations.
5. International Development:
China’s emphasis on mutual benefit in projects like the Belt and Road Initiative reflects Yì as a principle of fairness and cooperation in global affairs.
Outcome-Oriented Morality:
Americans may interpret Yì as overly utilitarian, contrasting with Western traditions that often emphasize individual ethics or divine commandments.
Collective vs. Individual Justice:
The Mohist focus on societal benefit over personal rights may seem restrictive, but it reflects a prioritization of collective harmony and fairness.
Righteousness and Pragmatism:
The blending of morality with practical outcomes in Yì may appear contradictory to Western ideals of purity in ethical decision-making.
Yì reflects an enduring Chinese emphasis on morality as a practical and collective pursuit. In modern China, the principle guides policies that seek to balance ethical governance with the demands of societal progress. By tying righteousness to tangible outcomes, Yì continues to shape debates about justice, fairness, and the role of governance in improving the lives of all citizens.