On the Humanistic Spirit of Li (禮) in Pre-Chin(pre-qin/先秦) Confucian philosophy

• Main Authors: Liu Cheng Wei, 劉振維
• Other Authors: Chang Jun Chun
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2002
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/76989505434707694571

博士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 哲學研究所 === 90 === This thesis gives an in depth analysis of the role of Li (the rites, the ritual) in pre-Chin Confucian philosophy. It focuses on the humanistic spirit underlying the discussion of Li in primary sources such as the Analects of Confucius (《論語》), the Mencius(《孟子》), the works of Hsüntze(Xunzi/《荀子》) and the Book of Rites (Li-Ji/《禮記》). At the heart of the discussion of Li in these sources is the transformation of the individual and society according to certain values, which are embodied in a set of standards and rules. Li thus is conceived a system of values and rules, which are made a posteriori for society, relying entirely on human effort for its conception and implementation. On a broad basis of evidence the commonly held view of Li as a priori to human society and effort is thus refuted. The thesis starts out with an analysis of the character Li on the etymological, historical and philosophical level. After a short review of the different views on Li in the non confucian texts of the pre-Chin era, the thesis gives a detailed analysis of the concept of Li in the four confucian texts mentioned above. Whereas the non confucian texts view Li as a set of rules governing the outward behavior, the confucian texts shift the emphasis on the humanistic spirit underlying the Li. In the Analects of Confucius uses the concept of jen (ren/仁) to bring back a government through Li as he sees embodied in the rule of the Chou(Zhou/周). Mencius focuses on the possibilities of the human heart to strengthen its positive abilities in order to bring about a state of the heart, which is filled with positive qualities. Li is one of thoses crucial qualities. For Hsüntze, Li is a way of satisfying human desires by ways of transformation. By adopting certain standards of behavior man is saved from his own destructive forces. The Book of Rites gives many concrete standards for behavior, but at the same time it reflects on the origin of Li. Social change, religious emotional need and the example of the heavenly way are three aspects building the basis for Li. As the other three texts the Book of Rites stresses the importance of education in government. The humanistic spirit as seen in the care for human needs, the believe in the possibilities of human character and society for self-transformation through sound governance and education thus permeates the pre-Chin confucian discussion of the Li. As such it offers possibilities still worth contemplating in the modern context.