1. What is "freedom"? (video on Kant's idea of Justice)
We are autonomous beings, which is to say we are capable of acting and choosing freely. However, freedom does not simply consist of doing what we want or in the absence of obstacles to getting what we want. It is not freedom, it is just one way of thinking about freedom.
In Kant's view, ethical or moral freedom refers to a form of willpower or self-determination in which a person follows their inner moral laws. He believes that every rational person is engraved with a moral law, or "absolute command," in their hearts, which requires people to act according to universal laws. As long as people can abide by their moral laws or "absolute commands" in their hearts, then they are morally free. Kant believed that free will and the will to obey moral laws are identical wills. According to this concept, free will is not something that can freely and unrestricted satisfy desires, hobbies, and desires. On the contrary, it can completely exert rational control over human irrational impulses and desires.
In my opinion, freedom of speech does not mean that one can express any opinions without regard, freedom of behavior does not mean that one can do anything as one pleases. Freedom is rather the ability to rationally control one's irrational desires and impulses, and achieve moral freedom.
2. Why does the traditional Chinese society's economic and political structure need "rituals"?
The important social influence of Confucianism lies in its creation of a complete theoretical and ideological system for the feudal ruling class to govern the country, and its successful application in national governance practice, which has led to the stable rule of feudal society in China for over 2000 years. The economic and political structure of traditional Chinese society requires "rituals" to maintain order, for the following reasons:
⑴"Rituals" have the "classification function".
The earliest formulation of "rituals" was for the purpose of grouping people and dividing social classes. Xunli can enable various social classes to engage in work that suits them, and people can benefit from it. Society is in an orderly state. Confucianism designed a hierarchical political system for ancient China based on its own ideals, which was the foundation of Confucianism's "rule of virtue" and the rule of feudal rulers.
⑵"Rituals" have the "normative function".
Confucianism attaches great importance to the role of "rituals" in regulating people's behavior and proposes the slogan of "rule by rituals". Confucianism believes that everyone follows behavioral norms that conform to their status and status, and then "rituals is determined", achieving the purpose of Confucius' "monarch, minister, father, son, and son", and achieving the ideal social order of nobility, inferiority, seniority, and closeness. In order not to easily break this situation, Confucianism advocates a code of conduct of "each person should have their own division": for rulers, rituals require the monarch to follow the example of ancient times, to govern the country and handle household affairs like Yao, Shun, and Yu, from ruling the world with virtue to dining and changing clothes, there is a set of established procedures; For ordinary people, there are not many complex rituals, and every one must be strictly followed in accordance with the etiquette. And Confucianism achieved its enlightenment through such a comprehensive system of social norms.
⑶"Rituals" have the "enlightening function".
The four teachings of Ziyi: "Wen, Xing, Zhong, and Xin". Confucius broke the tradition of knowledge and culture originating from the nobility, advocating for "education without discrimination" and allowing more common people's children to master cultural knowledge. Confucianism attaches great importance to the role of education in promoting the rule of "rituals". Through this authoritative education system, "rituals" are deeply ingrained in people's hearts. People who practice "rituals" will follow the requirements of "rituals" in their words, deeds, and actions, and move forward and backward in a proper manner. Not only those who only receive education, but also ordinary people admire these "polite" people and actively learn from them. This tendency is passed down from generation to generation through private schools and family education. When society is unified under the banner of "rituals", the implementation of ruling policies is no longer a problem.
3. Maritime Countries and Continental Countries
Observing human history worldwide from a comparative historical perspective reveals that there were already two different types of countries, continental countries and maritime countries, as early as modern times.
Maritime Country: Although its agricultural economy is still the foundation of its establishment, its survival depends to varying degrees on overseas trade.
Continental Country: mainly refer to a closed country located in the interior of Eurasia, with its ruling core area far from the sea and based on natural economy as its foundation.
4. Why did the Hellenistic tradition in Western culture give birth to metaphysics and monotheism?
Due to its unique natural conditions and ethnic characteristics, slavery and its economy, slave democracy, and Greek religion, ancient Greek civilization was very prosperous. Ancient Greek and Roman culture had extraordinary penetration and infinite vitality, and was occasionally absorbed and transformed by later civilizations, becoming the cradle of the entire Western culture and a common and eternal treasure of humanity. The ancient Greek and Roman peoples gave birth to all the embryos of modern Western civilization. Ancient Greek philosophy and science are intertwined, full of struggles between materialism and idealism, dialectics and metaphysics, with simple and vivid characteristics.
5. Some people believe Li or rituals are about organizing and structuring social and personal behaviors, and thus seem to conflict with human emotional instinct and free spirit. Then, can we draw the conclusion that Confucius is in line with inhumanity (as suggested by Bertrand Russel on page 54)?
No, this viewpoint is an insufficient evaluation of Confucius' thought.
Firstly, Confucius' concept of "rituals" emerged from adapting to society. "Li"was a relatively suitable moral principle in the social context at that time. During the pre Qin period, China was in an era of unpredictable changes, with chaotic social order and a lack of unity in people's behavior and moral concepts. In this context, advocating the standardization of people's behavior and emphasizing "rituals" and order can play a role in stabilizing society. Confucius proposed this principle in this context, with the aim of shaping a civilized and orderly society.
Secondly, Confucius' "rituals" is not to suppress human nature, but to require people to be able to control their emotions and behaviors in order to maintain social order. This does not mean hiding one's personality completely, but following certain behavioral norms in order to better integrate into society and establish good interpersonal relationships with others. Confucius hoped that people would be aware of the impact of these behaviors on others and make corresponding adjustments.
Finally, "rituals" is not the only moral principle of Confucius. He also emphasized other principles such as kindness, honesty, shame, loyalty, and forgiveness, which also emphasize individual freedom and creativity.
Therefore, what I would like to emphasize is that Confucius' ideological system is a complex and multidimensional system, and it is not sufficient to evaluate his thoughts solely from the perspective of a single criterion.
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