Confucius and Confucianism
explanatory Essay
850 words
China is a country with a vast cultural and historical background. It is a country with four billon people with extreme cultural diversity, which is nourished by different philosophies of its own. These philosophies are the beginning ideas of Chinese morality and spiritual belief, which were enriched by different intellectual heroes like Confucius.
Confucius was born in 551 B.C at the end of the Chou dynasty as a descendent of dispossessed noble family. “His ancestors were of lesser aristocracy who had, however sunk to the position of poverty and insignificance by the time of his birth” (De Bary, Chan and Watson 15). His father died when he was really young, and he was educated there was not any stability in China. It was divided into small states, which were constantly making war upon each other. Therefore, there was no peace in the country during that time. The political and the social situation during that time greatly influenced Confucius and his philosophies. During his time Confucius walked from one state to another looking for an emperor to employ him because of his strong political mission and also his self-confidence to accomplish everything in three years. However, most of the time he was unsuccessful in that field. He is recognized as the first professional teacher in China rather than a politician or a philosopher. His teachings later gave rise to the new school of thought known as Confucianism (Liu).
Confucianism is one of the major schools of thought in China. It developed from the teaching of Confucius. The principle of Confucianism is contained in nine ancient Chinese works handed down by Confucius and his followers. Later those works were divided into two groups as Th...
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...ina. However, the influence of Confucianism is still deep in Chinese soil even though it is not a dominant one. With the foundation of Neo-Confucianism, which “was the emergence of a new Confucian metaphysics that was influenced by Buddhism and that borrowed freely from Taoist terminology while rejecting both religions” (China), Confucius is still revered as China’s greatest teacher.
Works cited
“The rise of Neo Confucianism”. Encyclopedia Britannica. 1999-2000.
http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/8/0,5716,127718+12+117321,00.html
De Bery, Wm, Chan, Wing-Tsit, Watson, Burton. Sources of Chinese tradition. New
York: Columbia UP, 1960 15-27.
Liu Wu-Chi. Confucianism. Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2000
www.encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?ti=008A5000
In this essay, the author
- Explains that china has a vast cultural and historical background, nourished by different philosophies of its own, which are the beginning ideas of chinese morality and spiritual belief.
- Explains that confucius was born in 551 b.c at the end of the chou dynasty as a descendent of dispossessed noble family. the political and social situation during that time greatly influenced his philosophies.
- Explains that confucianism is one of the major schools of thought in china. the five classics is related to pre-confucian china, and contains the ethics and wisdom of china and recorded chinese history.
- Explains that confucianism provided the background for the chinese political theory and influenced china's attitude towards life.
- Explains that confucius's philosophies are based on the principle of good conduct, wisdom, and proper social relationships.
- Explains that confucius' philosophies offered the solution for the ills and evils of his day by giving the ideas of humanity, benevolence, or perfect virtue to people of society.
- Explains that confucianism is still deep in chinese soil even though it is not a dominant one. neo-confucian metaphysics was influenced by buddhism and borrowed freely from taoist terminology.
- Cites encyclopedia britannica's article on the rise of neo confucianism.
Related
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- The Concept of Confucianismcomparative essayThe concept of Confucianism has contributed immensely in the forming of Chinese character, behaviour and the way to live, with its main purpose being to achieve harmony which is considered the greatest social value. Confucianism firmly highlights the impression of mercy, social order and fulfilment of responsibilities. The effects of Confucianism had impacted both China and Japan to the extent that the changes are still noticeable to this day.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the concept of confucianism has contributed immensely in the forming of chinese character, behavior, and the way to live.
- Compares confucius' influence in chinese history with that of socrates in the west.
- Explains that confucianism was centred on the concept of his teachings and writings. it spread across to korea and japan where increasing influence was gained over time.
578 wordsRead More - Confucianism and Its Implications in Modern Chinaopinionated essayConfucianism and Its Implications in Modern China Confucianism is a time enduring philosophy that has stood up to invading clans, war, resentment, enforcement and infringement of new philosophies, and eventually, revival. For almost 80 years, up until the late 1970’s, Confucianism and its ideas and values have been all but wiped away from China. Though effort was made to remove Confucianism for good from China by the Communist leader Mao Zedong in 1949, the ideas and values were so deeply embedded into peoples mind and the culture that even suppression could not keep it out of the culture and practices.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that confucianism is a time-enduring philosophy that has stood up to invading clans, war, resentment, enforcement and infringement of new philosophies, and eventually revival.
- Explains that this is not an attempt to reinstate confucianism as it once was, but rather the idea of it going through a modernization process in which one includes parts that are beneficial to society.
- Explains that the ideas of confucianism are based on the values he expresses that are essential to human beings in order to become gentleman.
- Opines that one must be open and willing to account that the ideas of confucius are present even when they do not seem to be implemented or those persons don't feel that they possess them in aconfucian sense.
- Explains that confucianism layouts the way one should be, act, and present himself towards and to others. history can tell much about a nation and its society.
- Explains that confucius had been criticized in mainland china and the chinese people's living standard was under the bottom of the world from the beginning of this century until 1977.
- Analyzes how mao zedong and other communist revolutionaries in china publicly attacked confucianism because the social and political ideas were considered authoritative and class-ridden.
- Explains that the secret of japanese success is that it practiced the traditional chinese principles: social positions are determined by merits and learning.
- Opines that confucianism is not the reason for this backwardness; one can look at japan and other asian nations that are backed by a confu
- Explains that communism does not promote learning and knowledge unless it is what the government sees fit, while confucianism promotes knowledge and learning.
- Opines that the confucianist drive for educational excellence is a key reason for the high performance of east asian students in science, mathematics and classical music.
- Opines that traditional confucian values have supported korean growth. the focus on education and self-cultivation encouraged mass education.
- Explains that confucianism is prevalent in the economic powerhouses of east asia known as the five dragons.
- Explains that singapore brought in confucian thoughts and ideas in the 1970s to strengthen and grow, both in economy and socially.
- Explains that confucianism in singapore will be interpreted as a code of personal conduct for modern singapore and promoted in the form of public debate and discussion over the media.
- Opines that confucianism's definitive aspect involves the golden mean – applying moderation in human relations and avoiding prejudice.
- Explains the concept of the golden mean and the idea of filial piety, which promotes a family-based or human relations-oriented society.
- Opines that china's past has not had that privilege, at least not for the past half century or so. communism was the form of government used in china beginning in 1949.
- Opines that the people had the duty to obey and support the government as long as it provided good government. if not, they could rebel and replace the ruler with someone with a new mandate of heaven.
- Opines that china needs to expand on the ideas of human rights. the idea of rebelling is wrong, but making sure that the government is benevolent towards the people is excellent.
- Explains that confucianism is not just the advocacy of obedience to government, but also the accountability of government. if people really want to learn from it, they have to open up to more enlightened values, such as freedom of expression, the dignity of the individual and other human rights.
- Argues that the chinese must have a good system for electing politicians. the confucian system is not the best way.
- Analyzes how confucianism could reconcile with democracy by giving an underlying moral framework to the one-man-one-vote system and the market. this would encourage the voter to calculate not only in his self-interest, but also that of his community.
- Argues that people would have to choose from those who knew the background of their nation and whom they felt would benefit the community, not just their own desires.
- Opines that confucianism would provide a stronger foundation for chinese and vietnamese society in the next century than class struggle and the dictatorship of the proletariat.
- Explains that many people claim that there is no relevance between a philosophy (or way of life) and economics. they dispute the lack of connection between nations virtues and the economic progress that it makes.
- Explains that some academics have looked to culture for an explanation and concluded that confucian ethics, stressing the claims of the community over the individual, are the key.
- Explains that confucius strongly promoted the idea of the community over the individual in any economy, and that this idea is holding china back, or giving them a backwards movement.
- Explains that filial piety coincides with economics through business. a strong business must have relationships between boss and employee and other relevant relationships. the family structure underlies the business, governmental, and societal structures.
- Opines that confucianism must be viewed with an open mind to bring it in to light of modernization and the modern world in general.
- Opines that in confused times like ours, we would do well to consider it, even if it does no more than add to our stock of ideals.
- Opines that re-institution of confucian ideas and philosophies to the modern era will develop china and create a better society, government, and economy allowing it to grow and prosper.
- Cites hahm chaibong's article on confucianism and its implications for the industrialization and democratization of east asia.
- Cites asiaweek's article, "confucian comeback; the master’s teachings are a boon to the modern world."
- Opines that confucianism must make 3 great adjustments to back asian revival.
- Cites de bary, william theodore, and englehart, neil a. the rise and fall of confucian ethics in singapore.
- Explains that "hearts and minds new life for confucianism?" korea times.
- Cites relyea, scott. the legacy of confucius in contemporary chinese interpretations of human rights.
- Explains that a seminar on confucian business was held in shanghai, xinhua, on october 23, 2000.
- Cites tucker, mary evelyn, "introduction to confucian spirituality" and "what taiwan wants" by premier lien.
3387 wordsRead More - Pre-Modern Confucianism in Chinaanalytical essayI. Introduction The role of the Chinese family in pre-modern China included thoughts centered on Confucian thought and methods. The Chinese family followed different methods of Confucian thought and the division of family responsibilities in China developed because of it. The original text of Confucius that dictated the roles of filial piety in China did not specify gender dichotomy but the implications led Chinese scholars to distinguish the position of men following filial values from women. Pre-Modern China had the dominative power of dozens of dynasties. Confucianism developed ideologically during the Spring and Autumn Period (722-476BC) as an intellectual movement.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the chinese family followed different methods of confucian thought and the division of family responsibilities in china developed because of it.
- Explains that religion is an interesting aspect in the chinese context because of the part it played in history. the fundamentals of confucianism include and encourage humanities pursuit of knowledge and understanding of their self and environment.
- Explains that self-realization is the first step before one can expand their knowledge base and become better confucians.
- Explains that confucianism's broadness begins from the establishment and understanding of human existence and grows into the thoughts of nature as the source of everything, rather than humankind.
- Explains that filial piety for women did not include a mourning period for their parents. binding women's feet served the purpose of keeping women in one space and restricting her independence.
- Analyzes how qiu ji's role as a feminist in confucianism had an important responsibility because of her presence in 1857-1907.
- Analyzes how the film family portrayed the struggle of a young man with filial piety.
- Explains that the public space between men and women as defined in confucianism did not include the conscientiousness of women in many ways.
- Concludes that the confucian ideals in pre-modern china created contradictions for the people within the society.
- Explains zeng, miss. the book of filial piety for women. translated by patricia b. ebrey.
2004 wordsRead More - The Change of Confucianism over Timeanalytical essayConfucianism is a philosophy and way of life formed in China by Confucius, an early Chinese philosopher. It began as a simple concept with ideals of personal virtue, simple filial piety, and basic gender distinctions and social inequalities. But, over time with the emergence of Neo-Confucianism it began to transform into a way of life that was degrading towards women with certain hostilities towards rivaling religions. In its early period, from around 500 B.C.E to the Common Era, Confucianism changed in that it became the leading belief system and a major part of Chinese tradition. From the transition into the Common Era to the end of the Classical time period, Confucianism was altered because of a loss of popularity following the collapse of the Han dynasty and the corruption in the governing political system. In its ending period, the post-classical era, Confucianism underwent perhaps its biggest adjustments with the emergence of Neo-Confucianism. The ideas and virtues presented in the “rebirth of Confucian philosophies” of intolerance of foreign religions and extreme filial piety...
In this essay, the author
- Explains confucianism, a philosophy and way of life formed in china by the early chinese philosopher, and how it changed with the emergence of neo-confucian.
- Explains that confucianism changed in its early period from its formation around 500 b.c.e to the beginning of the common era.
- Analyzes how confucianism lost popularity due to the collapse of the han dynasty and the introduction and spread of buddhism to china.
- Explains that confucianism underwent its most drastic changes in the post-classical time period with the emergence of neo-confuciannism.
- Explains that confucianism changed from the era of confuzius to neo-confucianism in that it changed its ideas and virtues and became harsher in its control.
616 wordsRead More - Confucius, the Historical Philosopheranalytical essayThroughout history, there have been historical figures that have changed the way we think in the world. These people are called philosophers. Philosophers are people who view the world in a different way with theories and questions in ethics and logic. They do not see the world as just black and white; they are the ones that discover color in between. They find a deeper meaning to what black and white really is. Although, it may seem like something so simple to the average person, a philosopher would see it is another world of hidden meanings. Some famous philosophers throughout time are people like Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle who shaped the way Greeks thought the way they did in history. They were the foundation of not only their thoughts, but also their culture and way of life was constructed. A great philosopher in human history is Confucius. Confucius is known not only being a famous philosopher, but also a man who started his own philosophical religion. Although history remembers Confucius as a great and historical philosopher, he has inspired followers all over the world through his philosophical values and beliefs, and even his own religion that he originated, known as Confucianism.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that philosophers are people who view the world in a different way with theories and questions in ethics and logic.
- Explains that confucius was a great human being that changed the way people thought during his time, but in reality, he lived like any other man.
- Explains that confucius had a great interest in education and study, and skepticism in religion, which inspired him to think differently and inspire his followers.
- Describes the drawings and paintings of confucius.
- Analyzes how confucius' beliefs helped his followers recognize what kind of man he was in history.
- Explains that confucius' political philosophy is explained in his belief that a ruler should learn self-discipline and treat his subjects with love and concern.
- Explains that confucius was the trigger point that set off a new ideology and religion known as 'confucianism'.
- Explains that confucianism had a great impact on the people of china. it was an idealistic religion that was still new at the time.
- Explains that confucius changed the face of the philosophical world from his historical background, strong personal beliefs and values, and the religion that he created.
- Explains chin, annping, the authentic confucius: a life of thought and politics.
- Analyzes how chin describes the life of confucius in detail. he explains how he lived his life and what his beliefs were.
- Describes chung, tsai chih, and brian bruya's confucius speaks: words to live by.
- Analyzes how chung illustrates confucius' biography in a detailed point of view. he describes his historical context as well as teachings and influences.
- Explains hayes, brian j., "biography and sayings of confucius chinese philosopher." faith vs reason debate spiritual insights quotations quotes aldous huxley perennial philosophy.
- Analyzes how hayes illustrates confucius' life briefly before he left to go travel with his desiciples.
- Explains legge, james, confucian analects, the great learning and the doctrine of the mean.
- Explains that legge's translates confucian analects and other major books that are important in the confuzian religion.
- Explains oldstone-moore's confucianism: origins, beliefs and practices. oxford: oxford up, 2002.
- Analyzes how oldstone-moore delivers concise illustrations about confucianism, including his teachings and rituals.
- Explains that "pictures of confucius - drawings and paintings of confuzus." exciting facts about foreign languages, culture, and history -- education for young adults.
- Explains that this brief website illustrates works of art of confucius.
- Cites riegel, jeffrey, stanford encyclopedia of philosophy, spring 2011.
- Analyzes how riegel illustrates a well-written article about confucius' life, teachings and different philosophies, and quotes from analects.
- Analyzes how smith illustrates the admiration of confucius. smith's biography, teachings, and illustrations of his disciples are included.
- Analyzes how yao illustrates the introduction to confucianism, and details about the religion. classic teachings, rituals and religious practices are included.
1924 wordsRead More - Essay On Confucianismanalytical essayAs people, all of the actions we take, and as a result, the benefits and consequences which occur, are rooted from our own beliefs. This is seen every day through the way we carry ourselves, the choices we make, how we treat others, etc. But, most notably, it is seen throughout history in the actions and culture of nations. China in particular is an area with many belief systems/ideologies which have developed over its long history; these include Confucianism, Legalism, Daoism, and Buddhism. With the previous statement, it is only logical to conclude that these belief systems have had a large impact on China’s development and culture.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that all of the actions we take, and as a result, the benefits and consequences which occur, are rooted from our own beliefs. china has many belief systems/ideologies which have developed over its long history.
- Explains confucianism, one of the most renowned chinese ideologies, was begun by a chinese scholar born in 551 b.c.
- Explains that filial piety was an essential element in ancient religion and ancient life in general. it was the main influence in china's cultural phenomenon of ancestor worship.
- Analyzes the effect of confucius' stressing of relationship between father and son, and filial piety in general, on the fall of the great han dynasty.
- Explains that the harsh ideology of legalism was founded by several people, including li si and hanfeizi.
- Explains that shi huangdi's tight control of his people allowed him to get much more work done than ever before. however, legalism also came with its negative effects.
- Explains that daoism originated in china and was "founded" by laozi, who expressed his beliefs in his book, "dao de jing".
- Explains that daoists turned to science and its studies to achieve their goals. their research led to advancements in the fields of medicine, astronomy, and medicine.
- Explains that buddhism was founded in india by siddhartha gautama and grew into one of the main influential ideologies in chinese culture.
- Explains that buddhism had three main effects on chinese culture. the first was a general change in the character and mood of the population.
- Analyzes how emperor wu converted to buddhism as an adult, and reversed militaristic punishments instilled by legalists before him. wu encouraged vegetarianism.
- Explains that the mongols took over northern china, and people lost faith in their government due to widespread poverty. by encouraging buddhist practices, the rulers allowed for them to help people through their many services.
- Concludes that the belief systems of a nation can both directly and indirectly influence the nation's people and culture.
1410 wordsRead More - A Critique of Confucian Moralityanalytical essayFor many centuries, Confucianism has been widely revered by the Chinese for its emphasis on morality. Confucius, who lived from 551 to 479 BCE, is different to most philosophers in that he showed no interest questioning his existence, the possibility of a God, or the reality that he seemed to live in; instead he focused on the human relations side of philosophy as it was his belief that people should “give (themselves) earnestly to the duties due to men … (and) keep aloof from (spiritual beings)” (Confucius 195). By negating the metaphysical side of philosophy, he was able to devote himself to mold his disciples into ideal gentleman who were morally righteous, and were able to benefit society. He believed in the importance of individuals who knew their roles in an well-structured society, that was a feudal system. In his opinion, the ideal gentleman should be obedient to his elders, have humanness and be morally righteous. Through his teachings, he was able to reform an entire country; the Chinese found Confucianism to embody practices of humaneness that they could apply in their daily lives through his religion.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how confucianism has been revered by the chinese for its emphasis on morality. he focused on the human relations side of philosophy and molds his disciples into ideal gentleman who were morally righteous.
- Explains that his profound wisdom of morality and human relationships that he imparted to his disciples has been passed down. he became the most significant chinese philosopher.
- Argues that confucius' teachings on filial piety, gender, and society's hierarchal nature can be critiqued as traditional and stint progress.
- Explains that the confucian concept of filial piety can suppress individual thought, which is relevant in many western philosophies.
- Explains that if an individual possesses filial piety, their loyalty is towards their parents and not towards the state. confucius places much emphasis on state and society, but keeping the parents’ honour is the priority.
- Opines that those who are upright are different from the upright. the father conceals the misconduct of the son, and the father hides it.
- Argues that filial piety rejects the widespread belief in the west that people should be independent as this stifles individualistic thought.
- Analyzes how confucianism does not place importance on the role of the female in society.
- Analyzes how confucius shows sexism when he classifies girls and petty people in the same category.
- Explains that confucius was a fervent believer that society had to keep its hierarchal structure. he witnessed the feudal wars that he witnessed during the warring states period.
- Analyzes how confucius believed that the government needed to set a good example. if they acted with "propriety", the citizens would have shame, and moreover, become good.
- Opines that confucius' idealist way of thinking would not be practical, since no government can use moral persuasion in place of laws.
- Concludes that confucianism was utilitarian throughout the many years that it had been predominant in chinese culture. its focus on the society, rather than the individual, contradicts many western philosophers beliefs.
- Argues that fermata's method of imparting knowledge from a superior-inferior based relationship has stifled creativity because of his conservative ways.
1609 wordsRead More - How Religion Played a Massive Role in Developing China's Seclusion and Spain's Imperialismanalytical essayConfucianism and Buddhism significantly developed China’s economy, and turned the country against the concept of imperialism. Firstly, Confucianism strongly emphasized the importance of education. “Confucius projected the ideal of a gentleman, best described by his benevolence and self control, a man always courteous and eager for service and anxious to learn.” (Stearns, p. 41) Since most of China’s population was once affiliated with Confucianism, this compelled much of the country ...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that religion is one of the most powerful forces known to man. it has shaped the charastics and courses of ancient china and spain.
- Analyzes how confucianism and buddhism developed china's economy and turned the country against the concept of imperialism.
- Analyzes how catholicism helped shape spain's liberalism and imperialism.
- Analyzes how confucianism and catholicism pressured the governments of china and spain to perform ethical actions in the interests of their people.
- Explains that ancient china was economically sophisticated and secluded, while spain was liberal and imperialist, and both had long-lasting leaders who displayed benevolence.
- Explains john caroll university's "han dynasty." the silk road. open bible. "59 bible verses about spreading the gospel."
1306 wordsRead More - Confucius and Confucianismexplanatory essayOne of the most famous people in ancient China was a wise philosopher named Confucius (circa
In this essay, the author
- Explains that confucius was a great chinese philosopher, educator, and political figure. his teachings and proverbs are in the analects.
- Narrates how he worked as a market keeper, farm worker, and governor of his province. he became known for his learning and character.
- Explains that confucius believed that the only way to keep life in order was for everyone to go back to traditional principles. he wanted china to return to the quiet days of the "sage kings".
- Explains that confucius taught in his school his beliefs about respecting family and ancestors for many years, and spread throughout china by his disciples.
- Narrates how confucius was appointed magistrate of chung-tu and minister of crime of the state of lu. he left his office in 496 bc, traveling about and teaching, helplessly hoping that some noble would allow him to undertake measures of reform.
- Explains that confucius' teachings and philosophy were so advanced, it was the education for china for 2,000 years.
- Explains that five of the books that confucious was supposed to have worked on were collected together and called the five classics.
- Explains that emperor wudi set up a confucian academy to train officials.
- Narrates the preliminary exams, the second level, and the final exam, where the emperor hand picked finalists.
791 wordsRead More - Confucianismexplanatory essayConfucianism Confucianism is a moral and religious system of China. Its origins go back to the Analects, the sayings attributed to Confucius, and to ancient writings, including that of Mencius. Confucius was born a mandarin under the name Kongzi. It was developed around 550 B.C. In its earliest form Confucianism was primarily a system of ethical concepts for the control of society.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that confucianism is a moral and religious system of china. its origins go back to the analects and ancient writings.
- Explains that the relationships function smoothly if you stress li, which is a combination of etiquette and rituals.
- Explains that the "great commonwealth," the union of citizens under ethical rule, would take a long time to achieve. the practice of offering sacrifices and other rituals to confucius began in the 1st century
- Explains that confucianism has had to contend with other religious systems, mainly taoism and buddhism. it had a renaissance period in the late t’ang dynasty.
- Explains that neo-confucian thinkers rejected the taoist search for immortality and buddhist ethical universalistic teachings, keeping instead the political and social vision of the early confucians.
- Explains that the neo-confucian teachings were unified and established as orthodoxy by chu hsi and his system dominated chinese intellectual life.
562 wordsRead More