The Social Impact of Confucianism Flashcards

These flashcards cover the historical origins, core values, and social impacts of Confucianism in China, broader Asia, and Europe based on the lecture notes.

Confucianism

A way of life and set of teachings developed from the thoughts of Confucius in the 6th century BCE, stressing personal and governmental morality, social relationships, justice, ritual decorum, and sincerity.

Confucius

A philosopher, poet, politician, and teacher born in 551 BCE whose teachings formed the basis for much of Chinese culture and society.

Ultimate goal of Confucianism

To create a harmonious society, distinguishing it from systems like Taoism or Buddhism that focus on spiritual liberation or nirvana.

Zhou Dynasty

The period from 1046 BCE to 256 BCE during which the teachings of Confucius developed and grew.

Han Dynasty impact

The period when Confucianism encouraged the government to give jobs to educated people rather than nobles.

Filial piety

A concept involving respect for parents and elders, which in contemporary China extends to honoring and respecting the country.

Family unit

The foundation of a nation's strength in Confucian thought, where the collective is more important than the individual and members work to maintain harmony.

Humanistic philosophy

An aspect of Confucianism that advocates being good to others and not harming them, stating that happiness is only possible through goodness.

Neo-Confucianism

The leading philosophy in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam until the nineteenth century.

Michele Ruggieri

The individual who initially translated the works of Confucius into Latin in the sixteenth century.

1687

The year the works of Confucius were published in Latin, influencing European thinkers involved in the Enlightenment.

The object of the superior man

In the context of Confucian philosophy, this object is truth.