Just Hierarchy

Why Social Hierarchies Matter in China and the Rest of the World

Daniel A. Bell, Wang Pei

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English

Princeton University Press
12 May 2020

Oriental & Indian philosophy; Social & political philosophy; Social theory; Political science & theory; Marxism & Communism

A trenchant defense of hierarchy in different spheres of our lives, from the personal to the politicalAll complex and large-scale societies are organized along certain hierarchies, but the concept of hierarchy has become almost taboo in the modern world. Just Hierarchy contends that this stigma is a mistake. In fact, as Daniel Bell and Wang Pei show, it is neither possible nor advisable to do away with social hierarchies. Drawing their arguments from Chinese thought and culture as well as other philosophies and traditions, Bell and Wang ask which forms of hierarchy are justified and how these can serve morally desirable goals. They look at ways of promoting just forms of hierarchy while minimizing the influence of unjust ones, such as those based on race, sex, or caste.

Which hierarchical relations are morally justified and why? Bell and Wang argue that it depends on the nature of the social relation and context. Different hierarchical principles ought to govern different kinds of social relations: what justifies hierarchy among intimates is different from what justifies hierarchy among citizens, countries, humans and animals, and humans and intelligent machines. Morally justified hierarchies can and should govern different spheres of our social lives, though these will be very different from the unjust hierarchies that have governed us in the past.

A vigorous, systematic defense of hierarchy in the modern world, Just Hierarchy examines how hierarchical social relations can have a useful purpose, not only in personal domains but also in larger political realms.

By: Daniel A. Bell, Wang Pei
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm,
ISBN: 9780691200897
ISBN 10: 0691200890
Pages: 288
Publication Date: 12 May 2020
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Daniel A. Bell is dean of the School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University in Qingdao. His previous books include The China Model (Princeton). Wang Pei is assistant professor at the China Institute at Fudan University in Shanghai.

Reviews for Just Hierarchy: Why Social Hierarchies Matter in China and the Rest of the World

Some of the most impressive parts of their book, which is written in the form of a lively conversation with plenty of provocative examples, compel the reader to understand the cultural value of hierarchy in Asian societies. . . . Regardless of whether you agree with it - and especially if you don't - it is important to understand China's case against participative political equality. ---Rana Mitter, Financial Times