Confucius’ mis-representation of the concept of chivalry portrays his lack of ethical understanding of the society around him. Certainly, Confucius’ and Lao Tzu’s ideologies have guided humanity’s roadmap since ancient history. Their long-lasting works have allowed people all over the world find the one truth that encompasses us all. The difference that promotes Lao Tzu’s teachings over Confucius, however, is the classification of people below or above us, the ultimate flaw in ethical…
In terms of social hierarchy, Confucius believed that the great rulers could achieve jen, which could transform the innate traits of evil into a person of good behavior and high social standing. In contrast to the inborn trait of evil, Mencius believed that human beings were like “sprouts” that could be cultivated to sustain the natural goodness of the individual in an “evil world.” In a similar way, Xunzi would agree with Mencius on the subject of self-cultivation, but he would typically side with Confucius on the inborn qualities of evil in human beings. However, all three of these philosophers agree on the premise of self-cultivation, which can bring greater social standing through moral and ethical training and ritual. These are the important perspectives on self-cultivation that define the philosophical traditions of Chinese evaluations of inborn traits as a problem that needs to be addressed through the goodness of moral and ethical behaviors in…
Confucianism is an ideology of order in which everything has its proper place. Confucianism idea of order especially the hierarchy of occupations was strictly enforced between samurai, peasants, artisan, and merchants. This influenced the layout of Kyoto. In Chapter 1, “Heian-kyō: The Ideal”, describes “how the city was meant to be, how it was planned, and how it was idealized.” Kyoto is laid out in a grid pattern with the emperor’s residence positioned on top.…
Thesis: Confucius as one of the most influential thinkers in Chinese history and his teaching of Confucianism have being the mainstream thinking of Chinese traditional culture for thousands of years. Most importantly, Confucius’s teachings have a profound influence on the Chinese political system. This statement, with supporting evidence that will be presented in this essay will show that Confucius’ teaching of Confucianism has being used in the Chinese government for thousands of years and it still affects the Chinese political system to this day. Short overview for the paper:…
Confucius was an educated aristocrat seeking a political position to put his ideas into action, but was never given the opportunity. He believed that the moral example of superiors was the key in restoring social harmony. He believed that the human society consisted of unequal relationships and if the superior party acts with sincerity and genuine concern for others, the inferior party would submit to them, “Let him be final and kind to all; then they will be faithful to him. Let him advance the good and teach the incompetent; then they will eagerly seek to be virtuous.”.” He believed humans improve themselves and that education was important.…
Confucian Analects is a record of Confucius’s sayings collected by his students. In this book, there is a sentences that tell us we have to reflect on ourselves“Thrice daily I ask myself: In dealing for others, have I been unfaithful? Have I been untrue to friends? Do I practice what I preach?”…
Mencius says that human nature is good, and Hsun Tzu believes that it is evil. The Philosophy of both confucians’ on the subject of human nature directly…
Mencius says that human nature is good, and Hsun Tzu believes that it is evil. The Philosophy of both confucians’ on the subject of human nature directly counters both…
I’m sure we’ve all heard the quote, “Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life (Brainy Quote, 2015).” When I first heard the quote, it was from my 9th grade English teacher and I couldn’t tell you who had said it. But every day, she would repeat the same quote almost like clockwork and it stuck with me. With a little help from google, I found out that the quote belong to Kong Qiu or for many of us Confucius. Born around 551 BC, he lost his father at the tender age of 3 and grew up in poverty with his mother.…
In the Ancient and Classical eras, religion played a significant role not only in everyday life but in the political sphere as well. In ancient times, many rulers derived their power from religious sources. In fact, during this period, leaders in many civilizations were viewed as divine figures themselves, giving them absolute power and leaving little room for citizens in their respective societies to affect the political scene in any meaningful way. This idea changed by the beginning of the Classical period. While religion still played an important role society during this new era, new political structures rose to prominence that allowed (at least upper-class) citizens to take part in politics and government.…
In the Analects, Confucius responds to a story the Duke of She told him in regards to an ‘upright’ man reporting his father’s crime of stealing a sheep. Confucius responds saying, “the upright men in [his] community are different from [that].” Confucius insists that a truly ‘upright’ man will conceal the crimes of his father, just as the father should conceal the crimes of his son. The father and son should cover up the misconduct of the other in order to keep harmony within the family. If the son were to turn in his father for his crime, this would create much disharmony in the family, and as a result, in the society itself, since the family is the building block of the society.…
CONFUCIUS AND ETHICS Describe Confucius’ China (min 5) → Confucius lived in the sixth century BCE in China, where Crime and violence were rising. There were crimes such as theft and murder were common. However, it wasn't only in the poor streets, but, also among the nobility and even higher up to the government was corrupt. Economically, business was flourishing, and the rich were becoming richer, as the poor got poorer. Scholars were unemployed, and teaching wasn't done professionally, as is evident since Confucius is considered the first professional teacher in China.…
citizens in such a prosperous society. This argument supports the position that the state exists for the benefit of its people. Politics and political ethics are mutually exclusive from the surmised reasoning of Confucius. The justification for this reasoning is the concept of ethics having intent and moral duty. Confucius’ position on the categorical imperative lies within his notion of the state along with his view on the states attribution of immaterial wealth in relation to economic prosperity.…
Most importantly Confucians believe that society can be saved through Jen ( Fisher 188). Their understanding of moral modification is filial piety: Hsiao, to one’s parents. Their human nature is having respect to those that are superior to them. It’s ultimate principle is all about the brotherhood of…
Confucian ren has been used in many ways. Ren is the ideal moral character to achieve that is grounded in human nature. Karyn Lai calls ren a dynamic concept as it “denotes both specific relational attachment (renkinship) and compassion for others (rencompassion)” (Lai 2008:62). How can this be so since one is a form of partial love and the other impartial love?…