Confucianism And Human Rights Summary

III. Confucianism and Human Rights It is impossible for Confucians to simply integrate a liberal conception of human rights into their view of social justice. There is a prevalent debate among the scholars if Confucianism is compatible with any universal human rights. One side argues that it is not just because this philosophy is oriented into relations and morality is based on roles, therefore it leaves no space for obligations or rights belonging to individual persons. It argues that classical Confucianism emphasizes proper conduct and duties much more than individual rights, consensus and cummunity interests rather than individual interests. On the contrary, the other side claims that Confucianism is not merely oriented to relations, …show more content…
According to it, nature gifts with one universal moral principle each person, therefore, everyone should be loyal to one's inner self and moral integrity, and if not so then the one loses humanity. It is considered to be ethical and to be public spirited as the same. Humanity and benevolence are called by the same word ren 仁. Rulers are supposed to be as an example of morality and thus perform their duties caring of public opinion, in order to make their people lives secure and ethical. While citizens have a duty to contribute to the harmony and unity of society. Thus the teachings of Confucius cannot be used to support the claim that human rights are individual claims against …show more content…
The essence of the Asian values argument is that the contemporary concept of human rights is Western and founded on individualism. These values are incompatible with Asian which emphasize community interests and consensus. However, there is a commonality in human beings providing a set of fundamental human rights which are universal. It is suggested that different approaches to practice human rights can be justified on the basis of culture differences. Limited deviations are allowed for the purpose of respect for cultural differences, but not as a tool for any government to disregard human rights. Lastly, it is inaccurate to claim incompatibility between the teachings of Confucius and human rights since the ethics of this traditional school of thought reflects humanism. Virtues of benevolence and filial piety should not be appreciated as a denial of individual rights. There is a set of fundamental human rights which are universal in nature and it is the government’s responsibility to safeguard and promote human rights in order to ensure its people can enjoy a life of