noun
principle of virtuous government; rule by virtue
A political philosophy term, often associated with Confucian thought, advocating that a ruler should govern through moral example rather than law or force.
徳治主義は、為政者の徳によって国を治める考え方です。
The principle of virtuous government is the idea of ruling a country through the ruler's moral virtue.
儒教では徳治主義が理想の政治とされる。
In Confucianism, rule by virtue is considered the ideal form of governance.
法治主義 (rule of law) emphasizes governance through legal systems, while 徳治主義 focuses on moral leadership.
Compound of 徳治 (virtuous rule) and 主義 (principle, doctrine). The term is rooted in Confucian political philosophy.