1. Ritual and proper behavior (propriety) as well as “filial piety” all play an important role in the making of a virtuous man. Why is all of this so important in Confucius’s understanding of a good society?
Filial piety is a child’s reverence for and commitment to his or her parents and by extension to all superiors, especially one’s elders. The cultivation of filial piety in all members of society is a key to a happy, peaceful, well-run society, for through filial piety children learn propriety and virtue.
2. How does Confucius understand the role of the supernatural—gods, spirits, and ancestors for example?
Confucius pays little attention to the gods but focuses more on education …show more content…
A central question in the Bhagavad Gita is how a person can achieve spiritual fulfillment while remaining active in the world. What is Krishna’s answer to this dilemma?
To achieve spiritual fulfilment a person must do the occupation that the caste system gives them. Remaining active in your caste duty will cause a person to achieve spiritual fulfillment.
4. This ties in with the reasons Krishna gives urging Arjuna to perform his duty as a warrior. Explain
This ties in with Arjuna since he has to follow his caste system to achieve spiritual fulfillment. He must fulfill his caste function. In order to do this he has to kill his fellow kinsmen.
Document 5.3 Plato: Apology pages 221-223
5. Socrates’ speech may be viewed as a powerful defense of intellectual freedom. How does he understand “wisdom” and “virtue”?
Socrates believed that only God possesses true wisdom, although humans can strive toward wisdom through philosophical speculation and the questioning of authority. For Socrates, virtue is closely linked to sticking to one’s principles, recognizing one’s weaknesses, and seeking truth.
6. Do you think that Confucius and Socrates would agree about the nature of “virtue”?