Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Flakne, April

Area of Concentration

Philosophy and Chinese Language and Culture

Abstract

This thesis investigates the charge that Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement is incompatible with traditional Chinese values. By drawing upon philosophical ideas from both the Western and Chinese traditions, I argue that it is compatible with both Confucian and Western theories of civil disobedience. Civil disobedience in Hong Kong has been identified by some as the cause of social unrest in the city. In order to refute this claim, I show that the government struggles with legitimizing its political authority, which in turn leads to distrust from the public. I then identify some of the circumstances in Hong Kong which correspond with Western ideas about what creates a situation in which civil disobedience is justified. After an exploration of Mencius’ thoughts on the role of the minister, I argue that the ministers’ responsibility to keep the government accountable has in modern society been taken over by the citizens. A lack of available legal means to do so necessitates acts of civil disobedience. Finally, I look at the Umbrella Protests to show why they constitute a case of justified civil disobedience, and why the Umbrella Movement as a whole is compatible with both Confucian and Western philosophy.

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