Philip K. H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law:
Book Talk – On Law and Ritual: Or, How Best to Combat Corruption?
Abstract:
This panel will launch Daniel A. Bell’s new book, Why Ancient Chinese Political Thought Matters: Four Dialogues on China’s Past, Present, and Future (Princeton University Press, 2026). This book is an accessible introduction to ancient Chinese thinkers – and what they can teach us about today’s most pressing political issues in China and beyond. Today’s talk will feature a debate that draws on chapter two of the book over the best means to reduce corruption in government. A Confucian-inspired thinker, played by Professor Justin Tiwald (Department of Philosophy, HKU), will argue in favor of informal mechanisms such as rituals that generate a sense of community among participants, and a Legalist-inspired thinker, played by Professor Daniel A. Bell (School of Governance and Policy and, by courtesy, Law, and Philosophy, HKU), will argue in favor of harsh punishments enforced by law. The debate is moderated by Professor Bella Pei WANG (School of Chinese, HKU). We promise it will be entertaining and thought-provoking!
Speakers:
Prof. Daniel A. Bell, Professor, Chair of Political Theory, School of Governance and Policy and, by courtesy, Faculty of Law, and Department of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong
Prof. Justin Tiwald, Professor, Department of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong
Prof. Bella Pei Wang, Assistant Professor, School of Chinese, The University of Hong Kong
Chair:
Prof. Albert H.Y. Chen, Cheng Chan Lan Yue Professor and Chair of Constitutional Law, Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong
Date & Time: April 30, 2026 (Thursday) 16:00-17:30
Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law at The University of Hong Kong promotes legal scholarship with the aim to develop a deeper understanding of China and facilitate dialogue between East and West. For more information, visit: https://www.ccl.law.hku.hk/
