Citizen Engagement and the Shaping of Public Goodness from the Perspective of Republicanism

This paper delves into the intrinsic relationship between civic engagement and the public good from a republican perspective, positing that civic engagement is the core pathway to realizing the public good, while the public good is the fundamental goal and value orientation pursued by civic engagement. It begins by elucidating the ideological trajectory and historical evolution of republicanism, and defining the connotations and basic concepts of civic engagement and the public good. Subsequently, it conducts an in-depth analysis of the interplay between civic engagement and the public good, wherein the public good, as a value guide, inspires citizens' enthusiasm and sense of responsibility for participation, while civic engagement serves as the critical force driving the realization of the public good. Finally, it explores the challenges encountered in advancing civic engagement and the cultivation of the public good, proposing that the government should strive to safeguard citizens' rights to participation, strengthen civic education, and expand avenues for participation, thereby promoting and safeguarding the realization of the public good.