Philosophy, as demonstrated by Confucius, is a way to lead one back
into right living. This is shown in the
way he identifies the philosophical problem, which is the absence of social
harmony in the state. Such absence is
rooted in the absence of the Way or the Tao in the state. This is manifested by
people having their responsibilities, roles, and actions not in agreement with
each other.
Every “name” or role assigned to a person has responsibilities with
it. Being “named” as a student implies
that one should take the initiative of managing one’s time and studying well. Being “named” as a leader implies the
responsibility of being just, proper and consistent about rules. As Fung Yu-Lan stated in his book entitled A Short History of Chinese Philosophy,
“In other words, every name contains certain implications which constitute the
essence of that class of things to which this name applies.” 1
When people do not justify their roles and responsibilities in their
actions, many things do not come to place.
This is where the problem starts.
Misunderstandings occur and transactions are not smooth. This can even breed conflict between
people. This is observable in people
acting not according to their roles.
Examples, public servants acting like kings instead of serving the
people, and children acting like adults even if they are not too wise about the
world yet. Family problems and crimes in
the state occur because people do not act according to their roles. Misfortunes happen when acts and roles or
names do not coincide with each other.
It is in this sense that Confucius wishes to remedy the situation of
social disorder by the “rectification of names”. This “rectification” implies consistency in
carrying out the responsibilities attached to the names of individuals. It is when each individual understand their
roles or names and act accordingly.
Through this, he initiates harmony in his home and in the state.
When one has fully grasped his
role as a student, ruler, or worker, he prevents himself from causing
disharmony. When one is able to have his
name and actualize it, then, he is in the right track in life. Having a clear idea of what to do and the expected
responsibilities helps one to live properly and in harmony with others. It
makes one learn the value of strict compliance and become consistent with one’s
role. In this manner, one can co-exist
with other people in his home or in his community. In the political sense, implementations and
other transactions are easily done. Each
person functions according to his respective job descriptions and roles.
One’s fulfillment of his roles
and responsibilities is the way of the Tao. This is the ultimate purpose of
every person. Deep reflection leads one
to the Tao. Confucius, in his demonstration of Philosophy, wishes to teach us
the significance of deep reflection so that we will understand our names, roles
and responsibilities.
Philosophy helps one to avoid embracing an “incorrect name” and
preventing disorder or disharmony in society.
Names identify one from the other.
Roles explain what is in the name.
Responsibilities actualize the names and roles of respective persons. There are challenges in every name and
role. These challenges should motivate
one to understand the responsibilities attached to his name or role. Thus, Confucius teaches us
that when one certainly understands his name and role, he knows what to do and
how to live rightly.
Source:
1.
Fung Yu-Lan, “Confucius, The First Teacher”,
(New York: The Free Press, 1948), In A
Short History of Chinese Philosophy, 41.
No comments:
Post a Comment