Traditional morality in rural society

In the article "Maintaining Private Morality" by Zhang Xiaoyue, Class 6, Grade 2, Mr. Fei Xiaotong pointed out the difference between the differential order pattern of Chinese rural society and the group pattern of modern Western society. The difference in social pattern also reflects

gave rise to different moral concepts.

In the group structure of Western society, the basic concept of morality is based on the relationship between the group and the individual. The source of the social moral system is the religious concept: every individual is equal before God, and God is fair to every individual.

Therefore, morality is undifferentiated and equal for everyone.

This is similar to the "love without distinction" advocated by Mohism.

However, in the differentiated pattern of Chinese rural society, there is no moral concept beyond personal relationships. The starting point of morality is the network of social relationships with oneself as the center.

The moral system is based on the Confucian concept of "regarding oneself and others" proposed by Confucius. The social scope has become a series of personal connections. Each rope is maintained by a moral element. Each person's relationship with himself determines different moral treatment.

This moral system is differentiated, and collective morality is lacking. In other words, moral standards lack universality, so it is called a differential pattern.

After reading this chapter, you can easily understand why Chinese society is called a human society, and interpersonal relationships are so important in this society.

The quality and distance of your relationship with others affects the efficiency of doing things and also determines others' moral judgment standards for you.

If you are a close person, you can be protected and forgiven if you make a mistake, but if you are someone who is out of touch, you can be severely punished.

The lack of universality of this moral standard makes Chinese people generally feel that interpersonal relationships are very important, while Westerners can be relatively relaxed in this regard because of their equal moral standards.

Many characteristics of rural China can be used to explain the problems that arise in today's society.

For example, regarding food safety issues, the so-called "people who produce food never eat it" are exactly a manifestation of the unclear boundaries between groups and individuals.

Producers give up the safety of more people for the benefit of a small group.

Morality exists only between individuals and partners.

The Western moral system is linked to religious piety. Everyone is equal to God, and God is fair to everyone.

And there is no moral element of the individual versus the group in our tradition.

The lack of group morality is not a new disease, but a manifestation of the unsustainability of traditional morality when the group expands.

Traditional morality cannot transcend the network of personal relationships in a differentially structured society.

It can be seen from this that the traditional morality in rural society has a profound impact on the Chinese people.