In terms of political philosophy, the conceptions of political philosophy of study of government in the Ming Dynasty can largely be summarized as follows. Ideological government can be transformed into social government, in other words, a good life depends on people’s selfcreation. The best order of society is “the unity of everything”, namely, the relationship between man and man ought not to be a mutuallyopposing relation, so others should regarded as oneself without distinction between classes and between friends and enemy. Conscience and other internal resources can all be transformed into social norms and criteria, so men can be transformed from completely moral individuals into qualified social members. If people are allowed to participate in educational actions in folk society, moral salvation from top to bottom is not only possible but also obligatory. Finally, philosophers and intellectuals should take political responsibility, bridging the gap between “learning” and “politics”.

political philosophy; the Ming Dynasty's study of government; Confucianism