11/8/2018. Big Idea. Confucianism emerges in ancient China. Essential Question. What are the beliefs of Confucianism?

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1 Big Idea Confucianism emerges in ancient China. Essential Question What are the beliefs of Confucianism? 1

2 Let s Set The Stage The Shang Dynasty was the earliest ruling dynasty in China. The Zhou Dynasty came after the Shang Dynasty. Near the end of the Zhou dynasty was a troubled time in China. There were many wars, as well as economic and social changes which disrupted everyday life in China. As a result, new belief systems developed that would form the basis of China s culture and government for centuries to come. 2

3 Confucius was born into a poor but noble family that had fallen on hard times. His father died when he was three, and he was brought up in poverty by his mother. Confucius hoped to become an adviser to a local ruler but was unable to find a permanent government position. Instead, he became a teacher. Confucius: The Early Years As his reputation for knowledge grew, he attracted many students. Like two other influential thinkers who lived about the same time, Siddhartha Gautama in India and Socrates in Greece, Confucius never wrote down his ideas. Rather, his students wrote down many of his sayings in the Analects. Confucius 3

4 Confucius developed a philosophy (a way of life) that taught people how they should behave towards each other. One of Confucius s most famous teachings was The Five Relationships. Confucius According to Confucius, each person had a specific place in society and certain duties to fulfill. Confucius hoped that if people knew what was expected of them they would behave correctly. The Five Relationships 4

5 Confucius set up five principal relationships in which most people are involved. These relationships were (1) ruler to subject; (2) father to son; (3) older brother to younger brother; (4) husband to wife; and (5) friend to friend. The Five Relationships Confucius believed that, except for friendship, none of these relationships were equal. For example, he felt that older people were superior to younger ones and men were superior to women. The Five Relationships 5

6 According to Confucius, everyone had duties and responsibilities. Superiors (Husband, Father) should care for their inferiors (Wife, Children) and set a good example, while inferiors owed loyalty and should listen to their superiors. Correct behavior, Confucius believed, would bring order and stability (peace). The Five Relationships Confucius put filial piety, or respect for parents above all other duties. Filial Piety 6

7 Other Confucian values included honesty, hard work, and concern for others. Confucius s golden rule, Do not do to others, what you do not wish upon yourself. Golden Rule Confucius also taught that it was a ruler s responsibility to provide a good government. In return, the people would be respectful and loyal citizens. Confucius said the best ruler was a virtuous (honest) one who led people by good example. Role of Government 7

8 In the centuries after Confucius died, his ideas influenced many aspects of Chinese life. Chinese rulers relied on Confucian ideas and chose Confucian students as officials. The Influence of Confucianism The Confucian emphasis on filial piety (respect for parents) supported traditional (old) customs such as respect for your ancestors (family members who have died). The Influence of Confucianism 8

9 As Chinese civilization spread, hundreds of millions of people in Korea, Japan and Vietnam accepted Confucian beliefs. Nearly one third of the world s population came under the influence of these ideas. The Influence of Confucianism Essential Question Answered What are the beliefs of Confucianism? Confucius developed a philosophy (a way of life) that taught people how they should behave towards each other. One of Confucius s most famous teachings was The Five Relationships. 9

10 Essential Question Answered What are the beliefs of Confucianism? These relationships were (1) ruler to subject; (2) father to son; (3) older brother to younger brother; (4) husband to wife; and (5) friend to friend. Correct behavior and following these relationships, Confucius believed, would bring order and stability (peace). Essential Question Answered What are the beliefs of Confucianism? One of Confucius s most important responsibilities was filial piety or respecting your parents. Confucius had a golden rule which was do not do to others, what you do not wish upon yourself. 10

11 Essential Question Answered What are the beliefs of Confucianism? Confucius influenced many aspects of Chinese life. Hundreds of millions of people accepted Confucian beliefs. Almost one third of the world s population came under the influence of Confucius s ideas. 11