인의 맥락적 이해 = Ren(Humanity) in Historical Context

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Ren is basic concept of Confucianism. But we encounter difficult problems if we intend to understand it with consistency and comprehensiveness. It can be understood as ethical virtue of political leaders. Confucius proposed this concept as a remedy of social turmoil of his time, the Spring and Autumn period. Ren reflects the spirit of the age, Confucius regarded it as essential for Chinse social order and international peace( for the Emperor and expulsion of Barbarians, 尊王攘夷) Ren also can be understood as characteristics of ideal leadership, which will end the social disorder. In Analects Ren contains earlier meaning of Ren. For example, Confucian remarks on Kwan Tzu that Kwan was humanistic is quite surprising. Because he was realistic politician. But it is not surprising if we remember the earlier meaning layer of Ren which traces back to the Book of Odes in which Ren is connected with braveness, excellence. manliness of ruling class rather than ethical virtues. It was originally simple and practical concept which can contribute to common goods. This meaning has been forgotten for ages long. But Confucius emphasized humanistic characteristics very much in Ren. So, in Analects, the concept Ren seems to be inconsistent, have difficulty in understanding as unitary concept. Concept of Ren has been widened greatly in Confucius’s era. It has become de facto different concepts. homonymy.