유학 사상과 현대 서양 덕 윤리

Abstract

In this paper, I would like to clarify that Confucian thought is the system of thought that has the advantages of modern Western virtue ethics while also being able to overcome its shortcomings. Confucian thought is an academic system that pursues becoming a saint who realizes one's moral nature through steady discipline to control physical desires while possessing the character of ontological duty ethics. These characteristics can be said to be similar to the fact that it focuses on the internal values ​​of moral motivation and intention, which are the strengths of Western virtue ethics, and aims to be an agent with moral character who can put them into practice. In addition, in response to the shortcomings of Western virtue ethics, which are criticized for not being able to answer who the virtuous agent is and what actions a virtuous agent would perform, Confucian thought can answer that a virtuous agent is someone who has realized their innate moral nature. It can be answered that an act that a virtuous agent would do is an act done in accordance with his or her innate moral nature. Furthermore, to the question, “What is right or duty to do?” emphasized in Western duty ethics, Confucian thought can answer that acting in accordance with moral nature is the right act and an act consistent with duty. Through this, it can be said that Confucian thought has an ethical thought system that can answer to some extent both the concerns of duty ethics and virtue ethics in the modern West.