When applying moral norms to real-life situations, we are faced with a choice between the universal principle of sangdo and the specific application of ke-do. Mencius sought to resolve moral dilemmas by using the two in harmony. In the modern world, the balance between the two can help us deal wisely with complex moral issues.
When we apply moral norms to concrete realities, we face the problem of choosing between the universal and the particular. In Confucianism, this is described as the “common way” and the “right way”. The Sang Dao is a universal norm that should be followed consistently as a principle in general situations, while the Kwon Dao is a situational norm that should be followed temporarily in special situations.
The Tao is a concept that encompasses both the metaphysical principles of human existence and the rules of behavior that humans should follow in their daily lives. Sangdo is a set of basic and universal moral norms, such as inhumanity, righteousness, and courtesy, that connect the Tao to human moral principles. Based on the Shangdao, the right response to changing circumstances is the proper implementation of the Tao, which may require the use of kung fu.
Mencius presents kung fu as a solution to a moral dilemma. “It is courtesy not to give and take directly between men and women, and it is right to save your brother’s wife with your hand if she falls into the water,” Mencius said. Not holding hands between a man and a woman is a courtesy, and saving a brother’s wife with your hands is a right, which is used only once in a special situation and requires a high level of situational judgment. The righteousness of a kwon-do is only recognized when it is determined that the action chosen is the only way to save a life, taking into account the urgency of the situation. In this sense, the legitimacy of a righteousness can be evaluated based on the motivation for the action and the outcome of the event.
In Mencius’ quote above, the norms corresponding to righteousness are expressed as the opposite of those of the sangdao, “yes,” which may lead to the misconception that righteousness is contrary to the sangdao or that it is not a yes. However, from Mencius’s perspective, both Shang and Kwon are Tao, even though they have different ways of dealing with situations. Kwon-do is not a bending of the Tao, but only a difference in method in the process of implementing the Tao. In the above situation, the act of holding hands between a man and a woman is not in accordance with the Tao, but in the end, it is the right decision that saves a life and fulfills the Tao.
Although Mencius emphasized the righteousness of the righteousness as an act that fits the real situation, he also attached great importance to the Sang Dao as the foundation of the righteousness, because when humans follow the Sang Dao, which is their essence, right and wrong become clear. Therefore, Mencius emphasized the use of kung fu based on the foundation of sang fu. If one disregards the Shang Dao and abuses the Kung Fu, it can lead to moral chaos. For example, if everyone applies the kungfu according to their own convenience, it will eventually lead to social chaos and moral collapse. Therefore, Mencius emphasized that the basic principles of the kungfu should always be kept in mind when using the kungfu.
The concepts of Shang Dao and Kung Fu are still valid in the modern world. For example, while laws and norms are the Shang Dao that should be followed under normal circumstances, in emergencies and special cases, we need to be flexible. Balancing these two is the key to moral judgment, and it allows us to make better and wiser decisions.
Mencius’s philosophy is still relevant today. Modern society is rapidly changing and becoming more complex, and moral dilemmas often arise in this context. Understanding and applying the concepts of Sangdo and Kwondo in practice is an important task for modern people. Through Sangdo, we must uphold basic moral principles, while through Kwon Do, we must be flexible in responding to changing circumstances. In this way, we can pursue both personal moral growth and the moral order of society.
