The Mandate of Heaven 天命 and Emperor Han Gaozu 高祖. A reading from Max Weber and Hok-lam Chan

Abstract

The doctrine of the Mandate of Heaven 天命 was the basis of political legitimacy throughout the dynastic China. In order to study its conformation and the basis of the legitimacy of the emperors, I will begin this essay with an account of the origins of the doctrine. Then I will consider the problem of legitimacy during the dynastic China based on the legitimacy concept of sociologist Max Weber and of Hok-lam Chan, a recognized authority of this historical period. While Weber claimed that dynastic China was based on a charismatic domination and legitimacy, adapted one way or another to daily life, the fact is that the case of Han Gaozu汉高祖, founder of the Han Dynasty 汉朝, demonstrates that the basis of the legitimacy of dynastic China had other elements of legitimacy, sorted by Weber as rational and traditional. Also, Hok-lam Chan speaks of five forms of legitimacy: procedural, coercive, semantic, scholastic and popular. If these five categories are classified in the thought of Max Weber, one could observe how they share certain elements. By doing this, an integral legitimacy is formed, which the various rulers of the Chinese dynastic period needed to truly be worthy of the mandate of Heaven. Finally, I will discuss the case of Han Gaozu, as it is exceptional way to understand the usefulness of the doctrine of the Mandate of Heaven. Therefore, I will discuss why Han Gaozu mythologized his origins under the hypothesis that, although the legitimacy obtained by his personal talent –rational legitimacy-  and the support of his followers –charismatic legitimacy-, with which he was able to become a ruler, was not enough for him to be considered a man "worthy" to receive the mandate of Heaven. Rather, he had to mystify his origins to obtain a comprehensive legitimacy and establish himself as a new legitimate emperor despite his peasant origin.