유가철학에서 과묵함은 미덕인가?

This article examines ritualized conversations and sincerity in Confucian philosophy and suggests positive roles of ritualized expressions today. Democracy is based on debates between individuals and parties. Freedom of speech is evaluated as one of the basic rights. Direct and clear expression is more common than indirect and subtle euphemism in daily conversation. In Confucian ethics, speech should be controlled in moral codes of propriety. Since speech is often regarded as oath, it should be trustworthy. Ritualized conversation is the way in which individuals handle the dilemma between the needs of delivering thoughts and emotion and the penalty for breaking the moral codes of speech. Heavy responsibility for speech in Confucian ethics is often accused of discouraging East Asians from actively participating in conversation and freely expressing themselves. This article is an attempt of reconciliation between freedom of speech and traditional moral codes of speech in today’s society. This article argues that ritualized conversation is neither hypocritical nor empty. It conveys truthfulness. Moreover, it helps avoiding unnecessary conflict. Today frank and free expression is appreciated and at the same time language violence is a serious problem. It is timely to rethink positive roles of ritualized conversation.