맹자의 ‘권(權)’ 개념에 대한 도덕 철학적 분석

Abstract

This study analyzeds the moral meaning of ‘Quan(權)’ from a new perspective through the process in which the concept of ‘Quan’ was raised in Mencius’ moral philosophy. In the existing studies, Mencius’ ‘Quan’ is generally contrasted with ‘Li(禮)’ or ‘Jing(經)’ as an immutable moral rule that must be observed in general everyday situations and it is used as a criterion for recognizing means and methods capable of ad hoc adaptation in a special situation, and is regarded as an instrumental value for decision-making. However, if we understand Mencius’ moral theory and the process in which the concept of ‘Quan’ was mentioned, the concept of ‘Quan’ itself has the essential value of morality exercised in accordance with the situation when the moral mind is at hand, and the concept of ‘Dao(道)’ coincide with the spirit. And it creates rules of moral behavior as instrumental values that morally respond to and deal with various situations in reality while having moral autonomy in which the mind, the subject of moral practice, operates voluntarily and autonomously according to its moral commands. In addition, Mencius’ ‘Quan’ is not a criterion for moral judgment and action decisions of ordinary people who are morally imperfect, but the ability to realize morality that is equipped with a person of moral character. Since ordinary people do not have the spirit of ‘Dao’ perfectly and regard ‘Quan’ as a means to justify their own and collective actions, they cannot fully realize the essential value of ‘Quan’. Only the person of moral character, that is, the saint can exercise ‘Quan’ as an essential value. For this reason, the saint does not have a moral dilemma in any situation and can respond appropriately to the situation. This is the saint’s ‘Quan’.