Confucian Philosophy: Ritual Propriety and Humanity

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key philosophical terms and figures from the lecture on Confucian ritual propriety, harmony, and humanity.

$$Li$$

Ritual propriety; the ritualized norms of impeccable conduct associated with one's roles and a key aspect of tradition for Confucius.

$$Ru$$

The school of Confucianism.

$$Li\,Ti$$

The root of ritual propriety, which involves being frugal rather than extravagant and grieving during mourning.

$$Junzi$$

An exemplary person or member of the nobility who prioritizes harmony and is earnest toward their parents.

$$Tong$$

A term meaning 'similarity' or 'sameness'; it refers to homogenization, which Confucius contrasts with true harmony.

$$Ren$$

Humanity; a central Confucian virtue often achieved through self-restraint and repeatedly returning to ritual propriety.

$$Shu$$

Empathetic consideration, defined by the principle: 'Do not press on others what you yourself do not desire.'

$$Xin$$

Trustworthiness; one of the five traits (along with respect, magnanimity, diligence, and kindness) required for one to be regarded as $Ren$.

$$Gong$$

Respect; the text notes that respect without ritual propriety ($Li$) will wear a person out.

$$Tao$$

The way; specifically the path of the ancient kings or the moral discourse that should not be departed from.

$$Tian$$

The heavens; used in a metaphor describing the Master's unrivaled status as being like a ladder to the sky.

$$Shi$$

Scholar officials; specifically those who exhibit humanity ($Ren$) and whom one should befriend.

Six Arts

The traditional curriculum consisting of rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics.

$$Li\,Yi$$

Ritual and propriety; a pairing that represents ritualized norms and painstaking attentiveness to normative considerations.

$$Zhuo\,Zhuan$$

The commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals that uses the analogy of balancing flavors in soup to explain harmony.

Master Yu

A figure who stated that producing harmony is the most valuable use of ritual propriety.

Yanhui

A student of Confucius who was told that practicing self-restraint and returning to $Li$ is the way to become $Ren$.

Lin Fang

A figure who asked about the root of ritual propriety ($Li\,Ti$).

Sunzi

The author mentioned in the text (Sunzi $17.11$) who describes traditional norms of ritual propriety as reliable markers for conduct.