| Abstract |
This article compares the differences and similarities between Chinese and Japanese Confucianism from a macroscopic viewpoint. Chinese culture emphasizes rationality of facts and inner communication of spirit(Chi). Japanese culture emphasizes the rationality of rites and the observance of Shinto. Breeding relationship makes the difference. Chinese have regard for the breeding relation of components, while Japanese strive for the breeding relation of observance. The former involves the relation of “origin--out-growth”, and the later requires the relation of “lord-subordinate”. It implies a strong contrast between “the integration of benevolence” and “ritualistic without essence”. That is, Chinese uphold the harmonic integration between human and nature. Japanese refer such integration to absolute nihilism, and the extreme fulfillment of nihilism is the supreme Shinto. Further, Based on Weber’s theory, I try to explain the inner dynamics of the modernization and capitalization in Western societies. I classify them into three categories, namely, the initiative dynamics, the learning dynamics, and the regulating dynamics. Finally, I examine the modernization of Chinese and Japanese societies, based on their inner dynamics, to explore their development.
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