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7 - Theoretical Implications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2023

Taisu Zhang
Affiliation:
Yale Law School
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Summary

Chapter 7 discusses the potential theoretical ramifications of this ideological narrative. It begins by discussing some of the theoretical strengths and weaknesses of ideological analysis, seeking to identify a number of methodological “best practices.” From there, it considers whether the distinctions and interplay between normative and empirical elements of ideological worldviews studied here shed any light on the theoretical analysis of other major ideologies, or of paradigmatic changes in modern politics. The creation of a descriptive and ostensibly empirical social theory to support normative positions is, of course, commonplace, but what is perhaps more interesting is that those empirical theories often develop an intellectual identity and sociopolitical lifespan quite separate from their original normative foundations. As the example of Qing fiscal policy demonstrates, empirical beliefs can often be more influential than normative ones. This has important ramifications for our general understanding of how political ideology affects legal and political institutions. In particular, it highlights and questions the role that the state plays in certifying and “discovering” politically relevant information, and how the state-driven centralization of information is as important a tool of ideological entrenchment as more normative kinds of state action, such as lawmaking.

Type
Chapter
Information
The Ideological Foundations of Qing Taxation
Belief Systems, Politics, and Institutions
, pp. 319 - 359
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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  • Theoretical Implications
  • Taisu Zhang
  • Book: The Ideological Foundations of Qing Taxation
  • Online publication: 02 February 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108995955.009
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  • Theoretical Implications
  • Taisu Zhang
  • Book: The Ideological Foundations of Qing Taxation
  • Online publication: 02 February 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108995955.009
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Theoretical Implications
  • Taisu Zhang
  • Book: The Ideological Foundations of Qing Taxation
  • Online publication: 02 February 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108995955.009
Available formats
×