This research, first of all, tries to find its original meaning of 'Yi(義)' shown on the Shang oracle bones and its diverse routes of spreading branches, and secondly tries to conclude its practical meaning when it comes to individual scholars' philo...
This research, first of all, tries to find its original meaning of 'Yi(義)' shown on the Shang oracle bones and its diverse routes of spreading branches, and secondly tries to conclude its practical meaning when it comes to individual scholars' philosophical thoughts.
I understand and conclude that the meaning of 'Yi(義)‘ is closely related to social 'Order' and 'distribution' of properties after a careful analysis of the shape of a character 'Yi(義).' In other words, 'Yi(義)' means establishing of a social system strictly governed by one ruler. In this circumstances, 'Yi(義)' functioned as a governing means of the royal regime.
Confuicus, as you know, holds the opinion of supporting a ruler-centered monarchy system. However, he had always been thinking the ideal positions and a roles of scholars. Confucius himself as a renowned scholar at that time tried to find ways of assisting the king most properly on the side of government officials.
'Yi(義)' also has the role of speculating righteous acting by oneself when acquiring properties. In this sense, confucian 'Yi(義)' heavily aims at integrating of the whole society by timely managed social actions.
Mozi argued that the road to an ideal world is performing social common 'Yi(義)'. It can be translated as an 'utilitarianism' in the sight of Mozi's long action plan but it mainly emphasizes on the personal and jointed communal responsibility to each other at any time. Mozi's 'Yi(義)' is a comprehensive concept which passing through from production to sharing spiritual and material items. Mozi considered that the feeling of equal distribution to the every single person is much more important then the efficiency. As a result, he strongly believed that the one step to the ideal world should be practical performing of 'Yi(義)' to live together in this competitive society.
I would like to stress the fact that 'Yi(義)' had been accepted as distribution of properties and making public order in the social context.
This understanding had been transmitted and refined through Confucius and Mozi and had been given more detailed features into concept of 'Yi' by both of them. But still 'Yi(義)' holds strong relationship with public order on the socio-material basis and practical action to accomplish the harmonious society.
When transmitted to Mencius 'Yi(義)' transformed as a kind of moral sense. That is, in the mind of people there is a root and ability to decide and act a ethical behavior such as benevolent(仁) behavior and doing righteousness(義). From Mencius the hermeneutic inclination of 'Yi(義)' turned to inner mind which has the ability of thinking and making decision. At this point the former function of 'Yi(義)' of ordering and making a social criterion now has transformed as a moral criterion for oneselves heart-mind. As a result, to cultivate one's heart-mind and recovering the natural mind has been the priority concern. The way of how to cultivate the originally inborn mind became the canons judging one's moral capacity.
From Mencius, 'Yi(義)' became inner standards to realize and actualize the proper action in this real society in terms of 'Moral righteousness(義).' Moreover, Mencius brought about a certain questioning of a qualification for judging moral behavior, then he acknowledged that morality should come from a true heart. Nevertheless, there is a possibility of a conflict and discordance between inner-subjective moral sense and the social norms of the outer world.