本性으로서의 禮에 대한 一考察

Abstract

Generally, it seems to be considered that people at this era have negative views on propriety. As a matter of fact, propriety is more likely associated with negative images such as 'pretense', 'ostentation', or 'formalism'. Moreover, in comparison with manners or etiquettes from western culture, li(propriety) as our own traditional manners or etiquettes has been considered as complicated and useless form in modern society. Confucianism thoughts started on Xunzi's Evil Nature Principle, li (propriety) tends to be only instrumental elements in order to maintain social order. In contrast, thoughts deeply based on Mengzi's Good Nature Principle, propriety is exactly what human nature reveals itself as it is. Today, the reason why propriety is considered to be more negative in many ways, we involuntarily accept and agree what Xunzi dissert on propriety. We constantly hear that humanity, righteousness, propriety and wisdom of Confucian is the nature of human beings; however, our deep in mind that propriety is only external norms to support social order. This study is to focus on propriety which is more deeply rooted in human nature, there then we could find a clue to understand and interpret propriety as well. Propriety is as what Mengzi said that it is natural and unaffected gestures originated from a mind which cannot bear to see the suffering of others. For propriety as human nature, it has 4 features. Firstly, its psychological foundation is the feeling modesty and complaisance. Secondly, practicing propriety therefore should be a voluntary deed rather than a forced action. Thirdly, propriety has its unique characteristics in terms of a detailed formality. Its fundamental spirits based on universal characteristics. Lastly, behaving in accordance with human nature accompanies inner comfort. Consequently, in order to eliminating negative perspectives, propriety must be re-considered that it is not only a means of maintaining social order but it is rather human nature originated from Good Nature Principle.