양명학에서 제시하는 쟁탈 해법과 지도자의 덕목

Abstract

In modern society, legal action is usually considered the best way to resolve conflicts. If so, which value can we attach to Yangming studies that adopts individual conscience as the criterion for all judgments and behaviors? With this question in mind, this paper examines methods for resolving conflicts and the virtues of the leader from the viewpoint of Yangming studies. Wang Yangming perceives his times as a severe crisis where profit-seeking behaviors are extremely widespread that people are on the verge of death while harming each other. As the reasons for these conflicts, he points to ‘regarding oneself as a private individual’ and ‘greed for materials.’ Wang believes that conflicts mainly arise from these two negative tendencies because they cover one’s inborn mind that “regards all things in the universe as one body.” To solve these problems, he emphasizes ‘finding the cause of the problem in oneself,’ ‘overcoming selfishness,’ ‘recognizing innate knowledge’ and ‘extending innate knowledge.’ In Yangming studies, it is argued that one of the most crucial requirements to be a leader is the ability to exhibit innate knowledge. According to Wang Yangming, leaders must love the people, take care of their lives, be aware of his mission of the times by clearly recognizing the spirit of the times, and be clearly aware of in which direction they should lead the society. Leaders should be qualified for these tasks; they should be capable of putting his ideas into practice by employing practical methods. For these tasks to be accomplished, morality and executive ability are required as the virtues of the leader. As for practical methods, implementing policies reflecting on the people’s needs, enlightening the people, and encouraging their will to participate in the tasks are suggested.