Confucius Three Virtues Li

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1 Confucianism SLMS/08 A man named Confucius lived between BCE toward the end of the Zhou Dynasty. He lived during a time known as the Hundred Schools period which was so named because of all the different schools of thought that developed in that time. It represented a flowering of Chinese philosophy, as both Legalism & Taoism developed alongside Confucianism. Political Situation in Confucius Time The Zhou Dynasty technically ruled China from 1122 BCE BCE (the longest lasting Dynasty in Chinese history). In reality, Zhou rule began to break down around 700 BCE, as local warlords became powerful and began calling themselves kings. The time period from BCE was actually known as the warring states period because of all the fighting and civil strife between the warlords. The Zhou had developed a ruling idea known as the Mandate of Heaven. It suggested that heaven or the gods had given them the right to rule. Confucius lived at a time, however, when the Zhou s centralized authority was rapidly disintegrating. He frequently reflected back on early Zhou rule, and how it not only provided political stability, but social stability as well. Confucius developed a philosophy that provided and integrated both political and social order. Confucianism Confucius ideas can be found in The Analects of Confucius, a book not written by Confucius, but compiled by his students after his death. Confucianism is not considered a religion, per se, but it is a philosophy that has had a tremendous social impact, similar to the impact of a religion. Thus, is often discussed and taught as a religious type of philosophy. At the core of Confucius ideas is the need for order social and political order, and Confucius believed that the family was just a microcosm (a miniature representation) of the larger political state. The relationships found in the family were similar to the relationships found between the government and its people. The Emperor was like the father both were in a position of leadership and responsibility. Additionally, Confucius noted that as the family went, so went the state. In other words, if the family was peaceful and harmonious, the state would be as well. A peaceful society begins in the family. And if there were goodness and respect in relationships, the society would benefit. Key in Confucius teachings was the concept that everyone had a role to play perhaps several roles within the family and within society at large. It was essential that people maintained their proper role.

2 Confucius Five Relationships Confucius identified five relationships that were key to social and political order. They were: 1) Ruler to people, 2) Father to son, 3) Husband to wife, 4) Older brother to younger brother, 5) Friend to friend. The most important relationship is that of parent to child, or father to son. If that relationship was harmonious and in order, all other relationships would fall into place. In each of the five relationships (with the possible exception of friend to friend), there existed a superior or older figure, and an inferior or younger figure. Both figures had responsibilities to each other. The superior figure was to care for and provide an example for the inferior figure. The inferior figure was to show respect for, and be obedient to, the superior figure. This respect is often referred to as filial piety a love & respect for one s parents or ancestors. The behaviors of the inferior figure could be seen as a reflection (good or bad) of the superior figure. Rebellious, disobedient children were an embarrassment and a dishonor to the father and family. It should be noted that if the superior figure was abusive or following a blatantly wrong course of action, the inferior figure was to correct or to give advice to the superior figure. One of Confucius followers, Mencius, took Confucius ideas and incorporated them into the Zhou idea of Mandate of Heaven. He suggested that the Emperor, as a superior figure, had a responsibility to his subjects. If he did not protect and provide for his subjects, he could be overthrown by those subjects. Confucius Three Virtues Li - ritual, etiquette, rules of behavior. Confucius said it was important to practice ancestral rites and rituals, and to behave with proper etiquette in society. Yi - righteousness, what is ethically best to do in a certain context. Confucius defined this as doing the right thing for the right reason and that reason should be a consideration for what was best for the whole, not the self. Ren - benevolence, humaneness, goodness. Confucius said that this was the most important virtue, and it should be a goal to develop one s ren so that it could intuitively guide your actions. The Silver Rule: Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself. -Confucius Impact of Confucianism? A major impact has been the Chinese value of education. Confucius put great emphasis on the importance of study and of thinking deeply for one s self. He argued that it was essential that government leaders be highly educated. China developed a sophisticated civil service exam for government officials based on Confucian thought. The concept of filial piety has remained historically strong in China. Not only do children rarely oppose parents wishes, but China has historically been a very patriarchal society (as suggested by Confucius relationships). Confucianism has provided the basis for social values, structure & order in China for more than 2,500 years! Proper behavior, responsibility & respect remain key values.

3 Global History Confucianism 1. What are the dates of Confucius? What other religions/philosophies were being developed between BCE? Name 7. Confucianism: religion or philosophy? Explain. 2. What was the Hundred Schools Period? 8. What is at the core of Confucius ideas? 3. Describe Zhou rule from 700 BCE onward. 9. How does he view the family? 4. What was the Mandate of Heaven? 10. How does the family impact society? 5. What was Confucius philosophy designed to do? 11. Do you agree with him? Why/not? 6. What is the book which contains Confucian ideas? 12. What are the 5 key relationships? Which is most important? Why?

4 13. Describe the role of: a. Superior Confucian Virtues: a. b. b. Inferior - c. 14. What is filial piety? 17. Silver rule? 15. How did Mencius incorporate Confucian ideas into the Mandate of Heaven? 18. Impact of Confucianism? Analysis: 19. How would Confucius evaluate American society today? (Please include what he would point to as problems, what the sources of those problems might be, and what he might suggest as solutions.)

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