주희의 직업사상

Abstract

Zhuxi emphasized social practice as well as moral cultivation as a means of reforming reality. Work being the central part of social practice, it is not difficult to read work-related arguments in his philosophy. This thesis examines the broad characteristics of Zhuxi’s philosophy on work through reconsidering and reconstructing his thoughts with particular focus on work and occupation. The foremost emphasis in Zhuxi’s argument lies on individual’s moral cultivation, and he contends that only the social practices based on that virtue could create harmony with social order by properly dealing with practical issues. He was vigilant on social conflict and chaos along with individuals’ moral corruption, which could be brought about by selfish pursuit of profit or single-minded chase after practical results. According to Zhuxi’s theory, reality that is not structured according to an ideal is precarious and meaningless. Zhuxi strongly argues that it is necessary to acknowledge one’s place and role in the society. He believes that in order to perform one’s specific role required by the society, it is crucial to thoroughly understand why and how that work should be done. Zhuxi also maintains that approaching concrete object or work with wholehearted sincerity allows one to realize what the proper way to fulfill one’s duty. Zhuxi suggests selfish motive that seeks unfair profit as the most perilous factor in cultivating oneself as a person or in handling practical work. Thus, he puts emphasis on recovering the wish to maintain in accordance with the public good and the system while eliminating selfish purposes. Zhuxi believes that worthy life pursues righteousness both in private life and social practice; and public justice lies at the center of determining righteousness. Max Weber defines Confucian thought on occupation that emphasizes public justice as an organic ethics of work and criticizes it for its risking individual self-realization. However, fulfilling one’s duty in balance with the public system and considering one’s work in relation to the public system has its merits both in terms of cultivating mature self and leading a happy life as well as facilitating the construction of an ideal society.