Lee Seung-Hwan The Social Meaning of Body - Bloc de notas
The Social Meaning of Body
The Social Meaning of Body in Confucian Tradition:
Between Moral and Political Power
Lee Seung-Hwan
Abstract
In Confucian tradition, mind and body are not regarded as separated entities. Human consciousness and emotions are deeply rooted in the physical body. The body is a field of expression that mediates between the Self and the outer world. Through continuous effort of character building, the body elevates itself from a physical being to a social one, from a private being to a public one. Confucian tradition regards power as something not exercised only through explicit verbal behavior such as commands, and obedience is not carried out only through language of submission. Unforced, implicit forms of domination-subordination relations such as eye and facial expressions are more common and more frequent than forced, explicit ones. Yet, when Confucianism talks about facial expressions of the dominant and the subordinate, it is not implying formal or pretentious facial expressions created in consideration of physical power. Those in dominant positions must acquire internal virtue suitable for their positions before wearing the appropriate looks. When they fully develop internal virtue, it is naturally exposed externally through facial expressions. Also, people in subordinate positions should not feign flattering looks; when their inner state of mind is sincerely respectful, it is naturally reflected in their face.
Keywords: Confucianism, virtue, mind, body, self-cultivation, expression
Lee Seung-Hwan (Yi, Seung-hwan) is Professor of Philosophy at Korea University.
He
received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Hawaii in 1991. His publications include Yuga sasang-ui sahoe cheolhakjeok jaejomyeong (Understanding of
Confucianism
from a Social Philosophical Perspective) (1998) and “The Concept of Gong in
Traditional
Korea and Its Modern Transformations” (2003). E-mail: kulee@mail.korea.ac.kr.
The Social Meaning of Body in Confucian Tradition:
Between Moral and Political Power
Lee Seung-Hwan
Abstract
In Confucian tradition, mind and body are not regarded as separated entities. Human consciousness and emotions are deeply rooted in the physical body. The body is a field of expression that mediates between the Self and the outer world. Through continuous effort of character building, the body elevates itself from a physical being to a social one, from a private being to a public one. Confucian tradition regards power as something not exercised only through explicit verbal behavior such as commands, and obedience is not carried out only through language of submission. Unforced, implicit forms of domination-subordination relations such as eye and facial expressions are more common and more frequent than forced, explicit ones. Yet, when Confucianism talks about facial expressions of the dominant and the subordinate, it is not implying formal or pretentious facial expressions created in consideration of physical power. Those in dominant positions must acquire internal virtue suitable for their positions before wearing the appropriate looks. When they fully develop internal virtue, it is naturally exposed externally through facial expressions. Also, people in subordinate positions should not feign flattering looks; when their inner state of mind is sincerely respectful, it is naturally reflected in their face.
Keywords: Confucianism, virtue, mind, body, self-cultivation, expression
Lee Seung-Hwan (Yi, Seung-hwan) is Professor of Philosophy at Korea University.
He
received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Hawaii in 1991. His publications include Yuga sasang-ui sahoe cheolhakjeok jaejomyeong (Understanding of
Confucianism
from a Social Philosophical Perspective) (1998) and “The Concept of Gong in
Traditional
Korea and Its Modern Transformations” (2003). E-mail: kulee@mail.korea.ac.kr.
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