Wang T'ao vs Chang Chih-tung
The Opium War in 1839 marked the end of China's status as an independent civilization. The Opium War introduced the power of western armies and technology that the Chinese lacked. The war resulted in foreign intervention and control of Chinese provinces and cities, but it was not until the Taiping rebellion (1850-1864), the most disastrous civil war in human history, that the Ching government and its people realized that reform was necessary. The "self-strengthening" movement, one wave of reform, aimed to achieve stronger military power while preserving the traditional way of life, and Wang T'ao was among the most famous scholars advocating such reform. By the late nineteenth century, conservative reactions swept the country, and scholars such as Chang Chih-tung believed western techniques should only be used to defend the Chinese way. This resistance to reform was held by three principles: 1) ancestral institutions should never be changed 2) successful government depended on the men not the laws 3) teachings from China are superior to those of the West. On the surface, it appears that Wang T'ao and Chang Chih-tung dramatically differed in their thoughts of how and if China should adopt western ideals. A thorough analysis
of their work, however, reveals the many similarities between the two individuals. Though the two had different plans for achieving their objectives, their ultimate goals was for China to excel and become great once again. Wang T'ao and Chang Chih-tung believe it is necessary for China to learn and mimic some of the ideals and actions of the western society. Both believe western influences should serve for purpose while the Confucian Way should be the governing principle of Chinese society. Their thoughts on reform have both similarities and differences. They both believe in the bonds and virtues of the Way and schools need to be reformed to promote western learning. However, Wang T'ao believes in people's rights and the need for a strong government and military. Chang Chih-tung on the other hand emphasizes the importance of following traditions and order. According to these two philosophers, some western influence is obviously needed and some traditions need to be kept but to what extent is the debate among not only these two but many other scholars as well. However Wang T'ao's ideals were not shared by everyone. Many conservative reformers were content with the current Chinese system and felt change was unnecessary. Among one of those scholars was Chang Chih-tung, a leading figure during the end of the Manchus rule. Although Chang Chih-tung was a moderate and avoided radical measures, he was a firm supporter of neo-Confucianism ethics. He sought to preserve Confucian traditions but also believed western administration was as essential as western technology. On the surface, it seems that Wang T'ao and Chang Chih-tung each have radically different solutions for the incorporation of western influences on Chinese society, but if we look thoroughly into their works, we realize there are also many
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Approximate Word count = 1231
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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