Confucianism
Today we are learning about Confucianism, a philosophy that
was based on respect and hierarchy. As we learn about this
philosophy, we are going to behave in a Confucian manner.
You will do a formal greeting when we begin and end class.
You will be very respectful and answer questions in a specific
manner.
If you do NOT do any of these things, you will be asked why
your behavior is not aligned with Confucianism.
Confucianism
• Stand, bow , and say the following in unison:
• “We are honored to learn from such a wise and noble
teacher.”
• Respond to questions from your teacher by standing and
speaking in a clear voice.
• You must be attentive and respectful throughout the
lesson.
Confucius (551-479), a humble man from poor
beginnings, became so influential that his
teachings inspired a philosophy, a religion, and a
way of life that has lasted until today.
From his basic "sayings" in The Analects, there
developed a philosophy, a social system and a
political system which was based on harmony,
tolerance, and merit.
In Confucian thought, filial piety (respect for
father, elders, superiors) is more than a way to
ensure good relations in the home. It is a
cornerstone to the social structure. The relations
between parent and child in the home that
Confucius described is the model for all structures
in society. Of all the five relationships, the one
between parent and child was considered the most
important.
5 Confucian Relationships
The five most important relationships in
Confucianism are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Parent and child
Ruler and ruled
Husband and wife
Elder sibling to younger sibling
Friend to friend
Confucian said that there were rituals about
how to interact with others- based on
relationship
Belief in a Hierarchy
Confucius believed in a set hierarchy. In
Confucianism, every person has a place in society
and each place in society has a set of norms and
behavior that one should follow.
People are expected to be respectful of their elders
and of people of superior rank or status.
For instance, a son has his place in a family, and the
father has his, and the mother and the daughters
have their places as well. Children are expected to
obey their parents and parents are expected to care
for their children. Going against these norms
creates disorder and chaos.
Ancestor Worship- must still honor and respect
elders even after they are dead
The Basic Confucian Virtues
Confucius believed that humans are
intrinsically good and that the only
worthwhile goal a human could have is to
become as good a person as possible.
1. Ren/Goodness- desire to do good
2. Li/Propriety (li: rituals and code of
behavior)- order and conforming to
codes of behavior
3. Righteousness- being morally right; to
follow your morals
4. Wisdom
5. Filial Piety- relationship heirarchy
The Importance of Education
Confucius believed that human nature is innately
good. However, he believed that this goodness
needs to be nurtured and cultivated and the best
way to do so is through education. He thought that
everybody should strive for inner cultivation- be
educated and make best of self
Confucius believed in educating anyone who
wished to be educated.
In addition, he believed that the men who are the
most talented and able have a duty to enter the
government and lead the rest of the people. These
ideas formed the basis of China’s civil examination
system.
Confucianism vs. Daoism
• Confucianism focuses on
behavior
• Focus on relationships and
norms
• Focus traditions
• Daoism focuses on “the way”
• Focus on relationships with
nature
• Humans are happier when
they live a life closer to nature