Ming (Name) as the Bond of Individual and Community from the Perspective of Confucian Communitarianism

The relationship between the individual and collective is one of most important topics in Confucianism. Though this concept has been widely studied, ming 名 (meaning ‘name’), its crucial categories, not yet deeply explored within theoretical domain. This article discusses four aspects their contributions to self community. Firstly, Confucius’ proposition zhengming 正名 (rectifying names or rectification names) implies that language, especially rulers gentlemen 君子 (junzi), a considerable impact on both ethical political practices. In sense, as language establishes communities they govern. Secondly, use ming, reputation also reflects attributes collectivity. On hand, functions social evaluation system; other, it can be used shape values. Both found sayings, are essentially determined by sound ming. Thirdly, interpreted mean “role” later explanations commentaries Analects 13.3, which signifies each own role community belong. position according with others. Simultaneously, idea brings hierarchical order family, state, clan, “all under heaven”. Finally, yi 義 (appropriateness) correlation name subject refers. For participants, means name-bearer bound series demands regarding behaviors virtues, lead “thick” conception subject, is, complex duties, even rights (albeit implicit). Although meaning was becoming more complicated profound during development early Confucianism, always functioned bond regard, Confucian theory contribute some insights toward combination Confucianism communitarianism, modernization