Confucius, the Historical Philosopher
analytical Essay
1924 words
Throughout 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.
History remembers Confucius as being a great human being that changed the way people thought during his time, but in reality, he lived like any other man. He lived during 551-479 B.C. and “was born in the state of Lu in one of the most formative periods of Chinese culture” (Chung, 9). Confucius lived during the Zhou dynasty. One would not say that Confucius lived an easy and simple life, but he did have to overcome some struggles. “At the time Confucius was born, his family was already impoverished. Confucius’ early life experience was fu...
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...tanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Spring 2011. Web. 16 Nov. 2011. .
Riegel illustrates a well-written article about Confucius’ life. Teachings and different philosophies from Confucius are included. Quotes from Analects are also included as well as a biography of Confucius’ life.
Smith, D. Howard. Confucius. New York: Scribner, 1973. Print.
Smith illustrates the admiration of Confucius. Biography of Confucius is included. Teachings and illustrations of Confucius’ disciples are also included
Yao, Xinzhong. An Introduction to Confucianism. New York: Cambridge UP, 2000. Print.
Yao illustrates the introduction to Confucianism. Yao illustrates in depth, details about the Confucian religion are included. Classic teachings, rituals, and religious practices are also included.
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.
Related
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- analytical
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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 - 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 - 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 - Confucius - The Great Philosopherexplanatory essayConfucius as well as many philosophers of ancient China, was very concerned about nature of the human. He tried at first, at least for himself to understand its basis. That is how he started to research teaching of human nature.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that confucius, as well as many philosophers of ancient china, was concerned about nature of the human. he started to research teaching of human nature.
- Analyzes how the thinker had to deal with the construction of his model of society and state.
- Opines that confucius was the first to open a human being. he understood the hidden nature of human so he could influence it in the desired destination.
- Explains that confucius with simpleness, worthy of the founder of a great civilization, has proclaimed that there's no better calling for human beings than to realize themselves as humans and become the only reality created by people.
- Explains what confucius says makes a person truly human: the ability to conceptualize life, judge oneself, to perfect, always and in all-ability, given to human by nature.
- Explains that self-improvement, like any practice, art, cannot be done from scratch. it requires its own material and confucius delivers his culture, more precisely, cultural tradition, which captures the experience of improving.
- Opines that teaching, according to confucius, should be valued in the first place is not original, not even clever.
- Explains that culture is a life filled with awareness and consciously lived, extending into eternity. a creative person's ability to renew itself, opening new horizons of his being, is ultimately the key to human persistence.
- Explains that the organic mougins spirit knows no dramatic reversal of fortune, nor any "tipping points" and requires great courage.
- Explains that the wisdom of confucius is the closure body and spirit in being a culture of life vechnopreemstvenny. it is freedom, but freedom-tested, perfect, because the whole moral.
- Explains that in the forms of culture reproduced the matrix of human activity, both material and spiritual. assimilation of these forms, providing a fruit typing, allows the student actually put into his life symbolic "body" of tradition and immortality.
- Explains the character of traditional teaching in china, consisting in the assimilation of a student's repertoire of standard forms of an art: the artist should adopt the model elements of the picture, the musician-entrenched chords, and in any situation of life the learned human was supposed to comply with the relevant norms of behavior
- Explains that learning was inseparable from good breeding, owning a good flavor, and the fundamental nature of training and education seemed to cultivate moral faith in the disciple.
- Explains that human personality, or more precisely, life, vechnobodrstvuyuschee, is moral in the heart of the confucian tradition of primary and important abstract knowledge.
- Explains that training on confucius assumes the value of culture as decorum. teachers claim to possess the truth, imaginary significance judgments, and flat indoctrination inevitably lead to dogmatism.
- Explains that for the first time in the history of chinese culture has been created is a real model of an ideal personality.
- Explains that confucianism is primarily moral and ethical teachings, trying to answer questions about the place that everyone holds in the world.
931 wordsRead More - Aristotle versus Confuciusanalytical essayFor those individuals that choose to look into the philosophy of Confucius, Confucianism recognizes that the quest for virtue is ordinary and providential. However, in this quest of moral aptness Confucius tried to offer other people the fervent self love that he had greatly embodied. To actually make oneself as perfect as possible was the central concern of life. Al...
In this essay, the author
- Compares aristotle's philosophy with that of confucius, with a clear focus on the absolute functions of these philosophies.
- Explains that confucianism is a multifarious classification of ethical, collective, political, and pious philosophy developed by the philosopher and the old chinese practices.
- Analyzes the philosophy of confucius, which recognizes that the quest for virtue is ordinary and providential, but in this quest of moral aptness he tried to offer other people the fervent self-love.
- Explains that confucius persisted on the four qualities of naturalness, filial piousness and decorum. honesty was a fundamental virtue, and sincerity meant to be frank and simple in rhetoric.
- Explains that filial piety is the third principal virtue in the confucian philosophy.
- Explains that the confucian philosophy incorporates the full characteristics of human behavior training men to always do the right things.
- Explains that the philosophy of confucianism has had an astounding effect on the citizens of china and other nations of the world.
- Argues that aristotle's ethical premise should be taken as a field separate from the theoretical sciences, and its style must match its area under discussion.
- Explains that aristotle considers virtues to be focal to a well-lived life. he rubbishes plato's notions that guidance in the sciences and metaphysics is an appropriate requirement for consideration of our perfect existence.
- Analyzes the differences between western and eastern philosophy. while western beliefs involve understanding the character of the earth, confucianism focuses on the explanations of interactions and upholding ethical social interactions.
- Concludes that the paper has gone a long way in trying to show the similarities and differences in the western and eastern philosophies as advanced by confucius and aristotle.
1796 wordsRead More - Marcus Brutus and His Fellow Brutianalytical essayRiegel, Jeffrey. "Confucius." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy . Ed. Edward N. Zalta. Stanford, 3 July 2002. Web. 8 Mar. 2012. .
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how confucius spent his life pushing for equality in ancient china to give the chinese people something to believe in during difficult times.
- Explains that marcus brutus was born from the blood of a long line of valiant and noble men. they merely did what they had to do to be the mediocre senator, rich man, or another profession to keep the flow of everyday life going unobstructed.
- Analyzes how brutus sided with pompey because he believed that his grounds for war were buried in a stronger foundation than those of caesar.
- Analyzes how confucius separated his movement into two main sections of philosophy that formed into what would become confucucianism.
- Analyzes how confucius believed that a successful ruler would lead with their merciful and compassionate character alone rather than relying on the fear of physical punishment.
- Explains that confucius came into the world as the miracle to his parents prayers in ancient china. his political prowess was seen and he was appointed into multiple government positions.
- Explains that both brutus and confucius stayed true to the images that they had built for themselves and truthfully and faithfully strived to change the world.
- Explains that "the parallel lives" is a sub-site off of the university of chicago.
1942 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 - Chapter Notes on 'Confucius Lives Next Door' by T R Reidanalytical essayShows how Confucius teaches individuals of both high and low birth to strive for success in their lifetime.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that japan still has the largest foreign currency reserves in the world even after years.
- Explains that everyone in japan had money and that it was more equally distributed than in the east.
- Explains that this statement was important because it showed how this country surpassed other countries especially america and how safe it was for children to walk around by themselves even when it is at night.
- Explains that confucius was a big influence and explained the region's low rates of crime.
- Explains how confucius teaches individuals of both high and low birth to strive for success in their lifetime.
- Explains that san-kyu means 3-9, which gives them their most thankful day of the year, march 9.
- Analyzes how language plays a role in japan by maintaining the hierarchical structure of the society.
- Opines that it was interesting to hear this because they could imagine how difficult it would be for mailmen to mail letters.
- Analyzes how the widower whispers to the deceased to tell them who the person is.
- Analyzes how this showed how much respect they have for the deceased, and that they do not treat them differently than if they were alive.
- Explains that confucius or disciples that came after him came up with five basic loyalties.
- Argues that ethical values are the key to a successful society, and that it is the government's job to pass those values on to the next generation.
- Opines that it is essential to work hard, follow rules, respect authority, take responsibility, and get along with the group, everyday in their society.
- Explains that identity brings a sense of security and pride in loyalty to the firm.
- Explains that all the ceremonies, signs, banners, posters, ads, and exhortations that color daily like in asian countries are doing their jobs.
- Explains how society has an equal obligation to take care of each of its individual members.
- Narrates how an american bumps into a japanese tourist so that the bottle of wine breaks.
- Analyzes how america can be a terrifying place for asians.
- Argues that america should become more like asia and turn to confucius teachings to start a new revolution of ideas.
- Explains that baskin robins is the biggest ice cream chain in japan. the thirty-one in the name is pronounced?satay wan?
- Analyzes how japan accepts and institutes foreign markets and ideas without hesitation or humiliation. they adapt so well to the outside world.
- Explains how japan's high standards and respect for others have contributed to many successes.
- Explains that meiwaku is a term given to people who cause trouble or shame onto other members of their group.
- Explains japan's great qualities, such as the fact that there is no original sin in the confucian cosmology.
- Explains that the ruler should show respect to the people and vice versa. the relationship between parent and child, older and younger siblings, and members of any groups and their juniors are also part of the relationships that need loyalty present.
- Explains that japan, with 126 million people, averages less than one murder among school aged children each year.
- Illustrates how harsh the consequences can be if children are not quite fitting in with cultural expectancies. all classrooms in japan have the word doroku framed on the walls.
- Explains how success depends on the amount of effort you put into what it is you are trying to accomplish. these moral lessons are so important in japan- and to every other confucian.
- Explains the importance of public signs and notices in japan, such as the ones in the classrooms.
- Explains ronald regean's plan to incorporate a plan called the plaza accords, which was important because it was when the us started to spend more on purchases from other countries.
- Describes the benefits of building man-made beaches in response to the plaza accords.
- Explains that there was a generalization of americans in japan because of the way some americans had treated some japanese people in america, by taking advantage of them and stealing their money.
- Opines that the us disagreed with corporal punishment, but singapore had a minimal amount of crime.
1640 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