The Dual Interaction Between the Taijian System and the Monarch’s Self-discipline Consciousness Theory in the Song Dynasty

Abstract

There have been numerous studies on the Taijian system in the Song Dynasty. While a few scholars have mentioned the monarch’s self-discipline consciousness, hardly any have paid attention to the dual interaction between the monarch’s self-discipline consciousness and the Taijian system. Furthermore, very little attention has been given to the unique role it played in the politics of the Song Dynasty. This paper takes the monarch’s self-discipline consciousness as its entry point to examine the Taijian system of the Song Dynasty. It adopts methods such as literature research, comparative analysis, and case studies to systematically elaborate on the definition of the monarch’s self-discipline consciousness theory, the reasons for its emergence, as well as its manifestations and influence in the Song Dynasty. Then, the paper delves into the operational basis, particularity, and the role of the Taijian system in Song dynasty politics. The paper argues that there existed a dual interactive relationship between the particularly heightened sense of self-discipline in the Song Dynasty monarch and the reasons for the establishment and operation of the Taijian system. This relationship had a profound impact on the centralized political structure of the Song Dynasty. The findings of this study provide new perspectives and reference value, addressing gaps in the study of the Song Dynasty political system.