ABSTRACT
The continuing existence of a Japanese pattern of relatively non-conflictful emotional interaction in a hierarchical civil social structure is highly repellent to Western theoreticians, and to modern Japanese Marxist theorists as well. A concept of balance giving heed to the determinative effect of intentionality in life forms would delineate better how the actual appearance of self-consciousness makes intentionality a new causative motive force influencing the natural world. This chapter discusses the West in its social class relationships historically became more "instrumental" or impersonal, while relationships in a Confucian society have remained more "expressive" or interpersonal. It argues that to understand the traditional Japanese family is to see it bound together as a sacred entity. The chapter discusses briefly in simplified form, a few Confucian principles to illustrate the moral universe of the Confucian scholar and how Confucian behavior, as well as thought, could satisfy within family life and considers the basic psychological needs fulfilled in religious beliefs and practices.
