Author ｜
Cheng Hong-lei
Abstract ｜
Current studies on the history of ideas or conceptual history have three theoretical origins. In recent years, the study of the history of ideas or conceptual history focused more on the changing meanings of key words than on their specific uses. This article analyzes the purpose of Kang Youwei’s reuse of this word “Shehui.” The author argues that other than popular understanding of Kang, he did not see the authority of the Emperor as the only way to make reform in the Wuxu period (1895-1898). On the other hand, “making groups” is the main way for him to gain political influence. Kang’s reuse of “Shehui” in his A Study of the Institutional Reforms in Japan was mostly a continuation of the word’s tradition meaning, with a particular emphasis. Kang reinterpreted “Shehui” for his political proposal to make groups, so the meaning of the term had diverged from its original meaning in Japanese. However, the word “Shehui” gained vitality through Kang’s misinterpretation and reinterpretation, and its new meaning was introduced to China.
keywords ｜
Kang You-wei, Shehui, A Study of the Institutional Reforms in Japan