Question

What principles justify the presence of authoritarian rulers in European countries and in China?

a) Social contract theory in European countries and Confucianism in China
b) Divine right of kings in European countries and Legalism in China
c) Enlightenment ideals in European countries and Marxism in China
d) Constitutional monarchy in European countries and Daoism in China

Answer 1

Authoritarian rulers in European countries historically justified their rule through the Divine Right of Kings, while in China, Legalism provided the ideological support for autocratic governance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The principles justifying the presence of authoritarian rulers in European countries and in China differ due to their cultural and historical backgrounds. In European countries, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries, the concept of the Divine Right of Kings was a prevalent justification for monarchs, which stated that monarchs were chosen by divine authority and were therefore not accountable to their citizens. This idea conflicted with the Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau, Locke, and Hobbes, who introduced ideas of the social contract, natural rights, and consent of the governed. On the other hand, in China, Legalism provided a significant ideological basis for autocratic rule, advocating for strict laws and state control to maintain order and dicipline, contrasting with the moral leadership and virtuous behavior emphasized by Confucianism.