고대 중국의 인간동물 관계에 대한 인식

Abstract

This study aims to understand Human-Animal Relationship (hereinafter HAR) in ancient China. For this purpose, I have examined texts of Confucius and Mencius for Confucianism, and Laozi and Zhuangzi for Daoism. We might presume Confucius had little interest in animals but his view of HAR is noteworthy: first, his cognition of animals comes from his respect of life; second, he acknowledges the ability and necessity of animals; third, he hold humans in esteem through the distinction of them from animals; fourth, he acknowledges mythical animals and associates them with himself; and fifth, he emphasizes studying the names and attributes of plants and animals. Mencius' HAR needs to be understood in relation with his philosophy, which differentiate humans from animals. His negative views on animals are as follows: first, they symbolize pre-civilization state of chaos; second, they are symbol of corrupt politics; third, they are only in pursuit of basic instinct; and fourth, they provide symbol of moral hazard. His positive view of animals are as follows: first, they are to be protected as resource; second, they are important ground for social welfare and governing; third, they are objects of psychological consideration; fourth, they are objects of moral behavior; and fifth, they represents ideal politics. Laozi's HAR has the following significance: first, they are associated with Dao and symbol of Dao; second, they suggest the state and realization of Dao; third, they are also symbol of state and power; and fourth, they symbolize a man of enlightenment or virtuous man. It is also observed that mythical animals are not mentioned, feminine aspects are valued, and hunting is considered negative. Zhuangzi is the most important philosopher in terms of HAR, which are summarized as follows: first, an ideal society is the world, where humans and animals co-exist; second, humans and animals are essentially equal beings; third, animals are symbol of diverse values and relativity; fourth, animals provide a means to understand truth; and finally, animals are object of Dao. As discussed above, we may draw a conclusion that ancient thinkers' HAR are closely related with their philosophy. We could comprehend ancient thinkers’ new aspects that have been overlooked so far. It is also possible that we could explore inter-relationship among ancient thinkers.