Confucianism

When and where was the founder of Confucianism born?

Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, was born in 551 BCE in the state of Lu, which is present-day Qufu in the Shandong province of China.

Physically speaking, what do we know about Confucius' appearance?

Physically, Confucius is described as having a commanding presence, with a tall stature, large eyes, and a noble appearance.

Though technically born into an aristocratic family, why did Confucious have a very difficult and impoverished upbringing?

Despite being born into an aristocratic family, Confucius had a difficult and impoverished upbringing due to the early death of his father, which left his family in financial hardship.

By the age of 15, the young Confucious had determined what about his future

By the age of 15, Confucius had determined that his future lay in the pursuit of learning and moral cultivation.

According to our in-class discussion, part of the reason Confucious had such a large following was not just because of the brilliance of his philosophy, but also because he was said to be quite what?

Part of the reason for Confucius's large following was his reputation for being a charismatic and wise teacher, in addition to the brilliance of his philosophical teachings.

Historians often believe that Confucius was the first professional (or paid) what?

Historians often believe that Confucius was the first professional teacher or educator, as he devoted his life to teaching and transmitting his moral and ethical teachings to his disciples.

According to our in-class discussion, Confucious died feeling like a failure because of what?

Confucius died feeling like a failure because he believed that his teachings had not been widely accepted and implemented by rulers and society at large during his lifetime.

So popular was Confucious that, when he died, one of his disciples—out of his devotion to his teacher and master—did what (for approximately three years)?

When Confucius died, one of his disciples, Yan Hui, mourned his master's passing by observing mourning rites and fasting for three years as a mark of devotion.

What did Confucious say education was for and also not for?

Confucius believed that education was for cultivating moral character and virtues, but not solely for the acquisition of knowledge or skills.

What are the "6 Arts" or "6 Disciplines" that Confucious felt everyone should be educated in?

The "Six Arts" or "Six Disciplines" that Confucius felt everyone should be educated in are: ritual (li), music (yue), archery (she), charioteering (yu), calligraphy (shu), and mathematics (shu). These disciplines were considered essential for a well-rounded education and the cultivation of moral character.

According to our in-class discussion, Confucious' primary motivation—leading him to teach Confucianism—was his sense that government officials in his day were often what?

Confucius' primary motivation in teaching Confucianism was his sense that government officials in his day were often lacking in moral virtue and ethical conduct.

Tradition claims that more than half of Confucious' students eventually became what (professionally)?

Tradition claims that more than half of Confucius' students eventually became government officials or bureaucrats.

How would Confucious feel about the caste system and how it relates to who should be allowed to serve in the government?

Confucius would likely disapprove of the caste system as it contradicts his belief in meritocracy and the idea that individuals should be judged based on their moral character and abilities rather than their social status or birth.

Did Confucious believe in God and the afterlife?

Confucius did not explicitly discuss the existence of God or the afterlife in his teachings. His focus was primarily on moral cultivation and ethical behavior in the present life.

According to our in-class discussion, why did Confucious not encourage his followers to believe in God?

Confucius did not encourage his followers to believe in God because he believed that focusing on moral conduct and virtuous behavior in the present life was more important than speculating about metaphysical concepts or supernatural beings.

What does the phrase "You're Confucian at Work, Taoist on Weekends, and Buddhist at Death" mean?

The phrase "You're Confucian at Work, Taoist on Weekends, and Buddhist at Death" reflects the idea that individuals may adopt different philosophical or religious perspectives depending on the context or stage of life.

. According to your in-class discussion, what is the purpose of life in Confucian thought? And what was central to all that Confucious taught?

In Confucian thought, the purpose of life is to cultivate moral character, fulfill one's social roles and responsibilities, and contribute to the harmony and stability of society. Central to all that Confucius taught was the importance of moral virtue and ethical behavior.

Confucious believed that, if you improve yourself, you'll improve what?

Confucius believed that if you improve yourself morally and cultivate virtue, you will also improve society and contribute to the well-being of others.

Based on our in-class discussion, how many "Cardinal Virtues" does Confucianism have, and what are they?

Confucianism has four cardinal virtues: benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), propriety (li), and wisdom (zhi).

According to our in-class discussion, what are the "Five Social Relationships" in Confucianism?

The "Five Social Relationships" in Confucianism are: ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, elder brother and younger brother, and friend and friend. These relationships form the foundation of Confucian ethics and emphasize the importance of harmony, respect, and mutual obligations within society.

While Confucianists don't speak of "scripture," they do have a handful of "official" books. According to our in-class discussion, how many "official" texts does Confucianism acknowledge? What are they?

Confucianism acknowledges four "official" texts, known as the Four Books. They are:

1.The Analects (Lunyu)

2.The Great Learning (Daxue)

3.The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong)

4.The Mencius (Mengzi)

For nearly 2,000 years (in China), you had to pass an exam covering the "Confucian Classics" if you wished to do what?

For nearly 2,000 years in China, passing an exam covering the "Confucian Classics" was necessary if one wished to become a government official or serve in the civil service.

According to our in-class discussion, the Chinese glyph (or character) that is often used as a symbol for Confucianism is the character (or glyph) for what?

The Chinese glyph often used as a symbol for Confucianism is the character "Ren" (仁), which represents benevolence, kindness, and humanity, values central to Confucian teachings.

Rather than making tons of laws, Confucious felt that governments should rule through doing what?

Rather than making tons of laws, Confucius believed that governments should rule through moral leadership and virtuous example, fostering a society where individuals willingly adhere to ethical principles.

Confucius felt that rulers and government officials should be icons of what?

Confucius felt that rulers and government officials should be icons of moral virtue and ethical conduct, serving as role models for their subjects and promoting social harmony and stability through their actions.

What is the Confucian concept of the "Rectification of Names"?

The Confucian concept of the "Rectification of Names" (Zhengming) emphasizes the importance of using language and titles accurately and appropriately to maintain social order and harmony.

What are the primary distinctions between Ancient Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism?

The primary distinctions between Ancient Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism include Neo-Confucianism's emphasis on metaphysical and cosmological principles, its integration of Buddhist and Daoist elements, and its focus on moral self-cultivation and spiritual enlightenment.

According to our in-class discussion, what country today is the most Confucian?

South Korea is often considered the most Confucian country today, as Confucian values continue to influence various aspects of Korean society, including education, family structure, and social hierarchy.