You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
alternatehistory.com
Most modern literati and legal experts, both in Centraliterra and the West, agree that the main justification for the state's existence is that it provides a way to promote the human virtues. Of course, the definition of what virtue is has changed a lot over the centuries—for example, wives obeying their husbands was once considered a virtue, but in most developed countries equal treatment between the genders is now seen as virtuous. However, the overall framework in which the state operates has remained virtue-centered since the late Wu era.
But if Europe or Islam had dominated the world, would there be a different perspective on what the modern state should do? Like, say, instead of the idea that humans have a moral obligation to carry out certain virtuous acts and the state should foster such activity, could there be an idea that humans have natural rights given by God ("human rights", let's call them) and the state should protect such rights?
What would such modern states look like?
Centraliterra is China. ITTL Chinese terms were translated into Latin to make them more familiar to Europeans.