This event is co-hosted with Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law (CCL) in the Faculty of Law, School of Governance and Policy (SCP), Centre on Contemporary China and the World (CCCW) and Department of Philosophy of The University of Hong Kong.

On Law and Ritual: Or, How Best to Combat Corruption?

Date & Time: April 30, 2026 (Thursday) 16:00-17:30

Venue: Academic Conference Room, 11/F Cheng Yu Tung Tower, The University of Hong Kong

Language: English

(In-person Event)  

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

This is an in-person event. Prior registration is required. Please visit https://bit.ly/4ai90Li to register. For inquiries, please email Louisa at .

To watch recordings of past CCL events, please subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Centre for Chinese Law – YouTube. To keep up with our activities, follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/CCLHKU. 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: Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law