"points" And Ethics

In the Confucian classics, the concept of "fen (分)" has dozens of meanings, but this dissertation discusses the meaning of "differentiation and division". In this way "fen" is related to the construction of social order, and it is also an important clue to understand the pre-Qin Confucian political ethics. The reflection of "fen" is the logic starting point for the development of Confucian political ethics, in which the construction of structure is aim to provide reasonability and justice of "fen" with value support.This research consists of four steps: in the first, it explores the theoretical foundations of "fen". In this part it has analyzed the theoretical base from the theories of human-nature relation, humanity, and group. Secondly, it is about "fen" and identity. Realizing reasonability and justice of "fen" bases on the differentiation of identity, that is, it establishes the social order by the distinction of identity and the related ethnic responsibilities. The paper analyzes ethnic identities and the related ethnic responsibilities internal in the family identity, patriarchal clan identity, political identity as well as social identity, and it further demonstrates the thinking of value tool that regards "identity" as "fen" in pre-Qin Confucius. Thirdly, it studies on "fen" and human relations. The reasonability and justice of "fen" is also realized by differentiating close or distant relation of social connections in human relations. In the paper it is argued that "differentiating close or distant relation of social connections" is the fundamental route to the construction of pre-Qin human relations. Pre-Qin Confucius made difference of human relations in terms of intimacy by some criteria, and it correspondently defines social order in the practice of human relations. This part systematically analyzes the order of intimacy in social connections inherited in patriarchal clan, political and social relations. Finally, it deals with "fen" and institutional design. The reasonability and justice of "fen" should be supported by the suitable design of political institution. This part argues that, by the analyses of institutions of social control, administration and distribution, the reflection of "fen" is an important value guide in the arrangement and design of pre-Qin political institutions.