pp. 535-563

The numerous historical ruptures in Chinese society over the last century have led to a multiplication in the number of conflicts related to the introduction of different standards and principles used to interpret new situations and to decide on the right and reasonable way to act. Analyzing arguments observed in several Chinese villages has shown that in spite of frequently resorting to force in order to settle the arguments, moments of discussion can occur, during which, certain arguments are rejected and others accepted as valid, the most reasonable position being the one which does not relate to the immediate present but which takes into account a succession of several principles, and attempts to bring them together in new ways.