Follow Observing Ritual Propriety And Forge Authoritative Conduct

The research contents of this paper are the meaning of "observing ritual propriety" and"authoritative conduct" and their relationship in Confucius’ philosophical thought.The research method used in this paper is a historical "exhibition" as a methodological perspective.After an in-depth textual interpretation,we have achieved an important result--"follow observing ritual propriety and forge authoritative conduct".As the first philosopher in Chinese history,Confucius’ philosophical thought was systematic and conscious.He repeated consciously thought about the ancient history and culture,and thus put forward the "observing ritual propriety" and "authoritative conduct"as the backbone of the systematic philosophical thought.In the process of following the traditional "observing ritual propriety" and the creative "authoritative conduct",Confucius chose the attitude of "following the proper way and forging new paths".In order to deeply interpret Confucius’ philosophical thought,in this paper,we select the historical "show" as a methodological perspective.The historical "show" embodies the dimensions of "horizontal","vertical","three-dimensional","synchronic","diachronic" and "holistic".This paper reviews the relevant research literature.The "observing ritual propriety" is towards the external and social norms,the "authoritative conduct" is towards the inner and individual moral norms.About the relationship between "observing ritual propriety"and "authoritative conduct",there are three different types.By combing and analyzing the original meaning of "observing ritual propriety" and"authoritative conduct",we can conclude that the original meaning of the "observing ritual propriety" is the religious norm and the original meaning of "authoritative conduct"is the social norm.Confucius divided the meaning of "observing ritual propriety" and "authoritative conduct" and their relationship into two relatively independent and interrelated stages.In the early years of learning activities,Confucius’ understanding of the content of"observing ritual propriety" focused on the "religious" dimension,and he held the attitude of faith towards the "observing ritual propriety".Then,Confucius’ understanding of the content of "observing ritual propriety"focused on the "ethical" and "political" dimension.He held the theoretical attitude towards the "observing ritual propriety".Last Confacius’ understanding of the content of "observing ritual propriety" focused on the "ethical" and "political" dimension.He held the practical attitude towards the"observing ritual propriety".In face of the past experience and the current situation of hardships,Confucius has taken a profound reflection and breakthrough on the "observing ritual propriety" and highlighted the profound meaning of the "authoritative conduct".In this period,Confucius’ understanding and argument of "authoritative conduct" presented a complex and diversified orientation.In text of the Analects,the understanding and argument of the "authoritative conduct"can be generalized and interpreted four parts,that is contents,features,effects and examples.In the course of Confucius’ thought,his understanding and argument about the meaning of "observing ritual propriety" and "authoritative conduct" and their relationship were constantly evolving.In his later years,his understanding of the meaning of "observing ritual propriety" and "authoritative conduct" and their relationship revealed a complex pattern.