공자 도덕이론의 실용주의적 읽기

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to read Confucian moral theory in terms of pragmatism. Pragmatism refuses the traditional philosophy that claims objective moral principles and suggests the possibility of new moral investigation to go beyond them. This pragmatic view allows us to reinterpret Confucian moral theory in the contemporary view. First of all, this paper shows the compatibility between Confucianism and pragmatism in some parts that reveal Confucian thought to be construed as pragmatism. This paper will also consider the need to change the point of view in order to deal with the difficulty of reading Confucius in terms of pragmatism rather than considering it as a philosophical challenge. Confucian moral theory is similar to Dewey's philosophy, which stresses on an open system of value in that it maintains harmony with circumstances and variability in order to produce the best consequences. However, Confucian philosophy has apparently deviated from Dewey's, which does not preferentially put emphasis on any values in that it emphasizes the certain values of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom. This does not mean that it is impossible to associate Confucianism with pragmatism. That is because the values of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom are also applicable for pragmatism as well as Confucianism. The point is that when Confucianism is interpreted in the perspective of pluralism instead of objectivism and as a recommendatory moral instead of a compulsory one, it gives the better suggestion to those living in a pluralistic society along with various values.