Human existence is influenced by cultural, religious, and social norms from the beginning of life, and the crystallization of thoughts and actions based on specific mental cultures or value systems is what we call ethical norms. In Confucian ethical n...
Human existence is influenced by cultural, religious, and social norms from the beginning of life, and the crystallization of thoughts and actions based on specific mental cultures or value systems is what we call ethical norms. In Confucian ethical norms, virtues such as filial piety, propriety, and benevolence are emphasized. Neglecting these virtues can lead to chaos in family structures and social organizations. Human life is a continuum of various human relationships, each significantly influenced by the ethical norms of the corresponding culture. Therefore, Confucian ethical norms profoundly impact all aspects of life.
This study focuses on the seriousness and spread of antisocial and irrational social problems that are increasing in modern society. It recognizes that these multifaceted issues can lead to social disorder and ultimately the collapse of both society and families. The purpose of the study is to find the fundamental causes of these social problems and propose solutions. To this end, the traditional meaning of the family is reexamined, and the traditional Confucian ethics of family order (齊家倫理) are investigated to explore the roles and virtues required of family members in modern families. The order of families and societies is not naturally established but is regulated and maintained through agreements on morality, norms, and laws among the members. Therefore, this study views the root cause of social problems as originating from the family and seeks to reaffirm the logic that establishing family order leads to the stability of social order by presenting the principles of "self-cultivation, family regulation, governance of the state, and peace in the world" mentioned in the Great Learning (大學).
Furthermore, by examining the family ethics implied in the I Ching (周易), which focuses on change and harmony, new principles of family order applicable to rapidly changing modern families are proposed. Implementing a new form of family order in modern families aims to build an ideal family community, although it faces various practical difficulties. To realize an ideal society like Datong (大同), institutional devices such as religion or law alone are insufficient, and moral and legal standards alone are not enough. These standards need to complement the daily actions and common sense judgments of community members. Predictability of everyday actions and situations is also essential. By enabling community members to act with consistent norms, the stability and prosperity of the entire community can be promoted. Therefore, it was necessary to reexamine the roles and virtues of family members to find solutions to contemporary family and social issues.
In this paper, "family order" (齊家) is interpreted as "correcting the order of the family," and the realization of family order is seen as leading to the establishment of family harmony. To support this, the I Ching is used as the main text for the study. The I Ching symbolically interprets the process of change and provides wisdom for predicting and responding to changing situations, enabling the establishment and maintenance of family order. Additionally, to explore the roles and virtues required of family members in traditional families, hexagrams related to family order (齊家) such as Qian (乾), Kun (坤), Gu (蠱), Li (離), Family (家人), Gen (艮), and Xun (巽) were selected from the I Ching. In particular, Gu hexagram, which deals with the relationship between parents and children, and Family hexagram, which emphasizes the roles of family members, were deeply analyzed to lay the groundwork for a concrete re-recognition of the roles of members in modern families.
The applicability of traditional family ethics principles to modern families can be questioned. However, the reason why families have been able to endure for a long time lies in the accumulated wisdom and methods of family management, i.e., family order (齊家). Therefore, the most appropriate approach is to inherit the wisdom of the past and apply it to the circumstances of modern families in a manner of "inheriting the past and opening the future" (承先啓後). This approach is useful in analyzing the impact of family balance and harmony on the social community, viewing the family as the basic unit of society. Additionally, a more detailed symbolic meaning was identified by further analyzing hexagrams generated through the hexagram transformations and changes in the I Ching. Through this analysis, it was confirmed that traditional family ethics have established themselves as essential ethical norms for the maintenance and stability of families over a long time. Furthermore, the recognition of the principles of family order as historically validated values is significant.
The Gu and Family hexagrams in the I Ching focus on analyzing the roles and virtues of family members. Especially, by focusing on the role division and virtue practice of spouses, parents, and children, it emphasized the importance of family members clearly defining their roles and practicing the corresponding virtues.
In modern society, traditional gender roles may change, but the order based on roles and hierarchy according to "rectification of names" (正名) is still important. If this order is not maintained, the moral standards and social roles that each member should possess, i.e., the value of "being ~~," can fade. Therefore, it is evident that the harmony and stability of the family can be maintained when the order and proper status of the family are respected.
The guidelines on the roles and virtues of family members presented in the Gu and Family hexagrams of the I Ching confirm that the family is the foundation of social morality and responsibility. The virtues for family order are the foundation of social virtues. The practice of family ethics, realized through mutual communication and harmony among family members, serves as a sign confirming the legitimacy of inheriting Confucian values in modern society. Therefore, virtues such as "true practice, order, and harmony" should be newly implemented in modern families. To realize this, it is important to apply the core elements of traditional family ethics to modern values. Specifically, the answer to healing the ills of material civilization and capitalist society can be found in "true practice, order, and harmony." To realize family order in modern families, the family ethics of the I Ching must be applied in a timely manner. In particular, rather than superficial gender equality, it is necessary to strengthen family harmony and stability through substantial role division based on gender equality.
The I Ching centers on the logic of presenting the future through reform rather than recovery. This is because the I Ching deals with the spatiotemporal process and changes as a philosophical book that predicts and prepares for the future. Therefore, the order spirit of the Gu and Family hexagrams should be reexamined to fit the present. Insight into reality and a future-oriented perspective are needed for this. Although this perspective was maintained in this study, it was not fully clarified. Some answers remain for future tasks.