Week 4 Chinese Philosophy: Confucius 1. Who was Confucius? ✓ Solved
1. During what period did Confucius live?
2. Where was Confucius from?
3. According to Confucius, what forms human character?
4. Why did Confucius travel around China?
5. According to Confucius, who were the good leaders?
6. What is the role of the family in Confucius' philosophy?
7. According to Confucius, what do virtuous people do?
8. Who wrote Confucius' sayings?
9. What is the name of the book representing Confucius' philosophy?
10. What is the saying that summarizes Confucius' principles?
2. Outline the 10 lessons one should learn from Confucius.
3. Describe how a modern human being should behave if following Confucianism.
4. Explain the contribution of Confucius to modern society. Use at least one quote from the Analects, apply it to a current context, and explain what lesson modern human beings should learn from Confucius.
Paper For Above Instructions
Confucius, also known as Kong Fuzi, lived during the period of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, specifically from 551 to 479 BCE (Van Norden, 2020). He was from the state of Lu, in present-day Shandong Province, China. Throughout his life, Confucius aimed to restore order in a society plagued by chaos and moral decay, emphasizing the importance of ethical governance and personal morality. He believed that a virtuous ruler could influence the moral character of the people, a concept that deeply influenced Chinese society for centuries (Baker, 2014).
According to Confucius, human character is formed through the cultivation of virtues such as righteousness, propriety, honesty, and altruism (Confucius, 2019). He traveled extensively across China, seeking to impart his teachings and ideologies. Confucius believed that education was pivotal for both personal and societal development, leading him to seek out disciples and share his moral philosophy (Li, 2017).
The good leaders, in his view, were those who led by example and were benevolent and just, encouraging the people to be virtuous. He also stated that effective governance could only be achieved if leaders themselves embodied the virtues they sought to instill in their subjects (Slingerland, 2003).
Family plays a crucial role in Confucian philosophy. It is seen as the fundamental unit of society, with filial piety being a core value. Confucius argued that respect for parents and elders fosters social harmony and stability (Van Norden, 2020). This emphasis on family also extended to the idea that moral education should begin at home, with parents acting as the primary educators (Feng, 2016).
Virtuous individuals, according to Confucius, engage in self-reflection, strive for constant self-improvement, and act in harmony with others (Yao, 2000). The sayings of Confucius, known as the Analects, were documented by his followers after his death. This collection encompasses his thoughts and teachings, influencing generations of Chinese philosophers and politicians alike (Confucius, 2019).
The book that represents Confucius' philosophy is the "Analects" (Lunyu). It consists of short dialogues and sayings that exemplify his thoughts on ethics, governance, and personal conduct (Van Norden, 2020). One of the sayings often attributed to him that summarizes his principles is, "Do not impose on others what you do not want done to yourself," which embodies the essence of empathy and ethics within Confucianism (Confucius, 2019).
As per the lessons from Confucius, here are ten key teachings derived from his philosophy:
- Respect your elders and ancestors.
- Pursue education and self-cultivation.
- Promote harmonious relationships and community welfare.
- Lead by example; moral integrity is paramount.
- Practice benevolence and righteousness in governance.
- Value family and community as the foundation of society.
- Engage in self-reflection and personal growth.
- Acknowledge the importance of moral education.
- Strive for balance and moderation in life.
- Seek wisdom and understanding through learning.
In a modern context, individuals following Confucianism would exhibit behaviors such as respect for cultural traditions, commitment to lifelong learning, and prioritization of family and community welfare (Feng, 2016). They would also practice virtues like humility, integrity, and compassion while engaging with society. The embodiment of these values in contemporary situations can lead to stronger communities and better governance.
The contribution of Confucius to modern society is profound. His teachings on morality, ethics, and governance continue to serve as a guiding framework in many Eastern cultures today. For instance, his quote, "Exemplary persons cherish fairness; petty persons cherish the thought of gain," highlights the distinct differences between virtuous leadership and self-serving motivations (Confucius, 2019). In today's context, this implies that leaders must prioritize ethical standards over profit-driven motives to build a just society. The lesson we can learn from Confucius is the importance of integrity and ethical responsibility in both personal and professional lives, ensuring that our actions positively contribute to the greater good of society.
In conclusion, the teachings of Confucius offer invaluable insights into personal conduct, governance, and community relations. His emphasis on virtues, ethics, and moral education serves as a foundation upon which individuals can build meaningful lives, fostering harmony in both personal and collective spheres.
References
- Baker, S. (2014). Confucianism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
- Confucius. (2019). The Analects of Confucius.
- Feng, Z. (2016). Understanding Confucianism: Past and Present. Routledge.
- Li, J. (2017). Confucian Philosophy: An Anthology. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Slingerland, E. (2003). Effortless Action: Wu-wei as Conceptual Metaphor and Spiritual Ideal in Early China. Oxford University Press.
- Van Norden, B. W. (2020). Confucius and the Analects: New Essays. Oxford University Press.
- Yao, X. (2000). An Introduction to Confucianism. Cambridge University Press.