공자의 사회질서관에 관한 연구

Abstract

This paper was intended to carve a whole picture of Confucius’s Social Order theory out of his analects, to analyze why Confucius suggested this kind of theory, to evaluate its merits and faults, and to draw lessons for the authorities in charge of social order today. As a result, this paper found out that his theory of Social Order was based on righteousness of names and courtesy of behavior, composed of spirits and rituals of courtesy, and dependent on education and practice of courtesy and musics, leading role of rulers, and equitable distribution of wealth, as a leverage to realize it. This paper suggested an explanation that the theory of Confucius’s Social Order was born out of his diagnosis and prescription. The diagnosis was that all disorders and crimes in the age of Spring and Fall were due to the breakdown of traditional courtesy order among ruling class. The prescription was that social order should be restored on the basis of humanity, mutualism and reinterpretation of traditional ethics. This paper illuminated that his theory of social order contributed to humanization of instruments for social order, application of courtesy beyond the ruling elite to the ruled people, and change of criteria for new social class. It indicated, as fault of his theory, lack of effectiveness, ignorance of system, and service to the ruler rather than the ruled. Finally, this paper drew a lesson that the government authorities of social order should pay attention to Confucius’s pursuit for order of humanity and efficiency and emphasis on ethics and social responsibility of government leaders.