confucianism

confucianism arose

Warring States Period, Chouse dynasty, 1122-222 B.C.E

life of confucius

father died early, proper education to be a gentleman, tax collector, became a teacher, him and his disciples set out to get positions in the government,

five classic books of confucianism

Shu Jing, Shi Jing, Li Ji, Yi Jing, Chun Qui

shu jing

book of history

shi jing

book of poetry

li ji

book of rites

yi jing

book of changes

chun qui

annuals of spring and autumn

the Four Books

Lun yu, Meng-tzu, Ta hsueh, and Chung yung

mencius

emphasized the notion of jen, belief that humans are at root good not evil

Hsun Tzu

emphasized li, disagreed with Mencius, thought that humans are at root evil

adoption of Confucianism as the formal doctrine

Han dynasty, 136 B.C.E

how long did confucianism reign

2,000 years until Communist teachings took over

adoption as state educational system

confucianism took on more religious/supernatural qualities, confucius was seen as being quasi-divine

confucianist scholars (ru or mandarins)

took on priest-like qualities, entrance into their class was based on education/civil service exams, affirmed utility of beliefs in ghosts as a means for maintaining social stability

neo-confucianism

rationalisitc approach where two schools emerged: The School of Principles and the School of Mind

School of Principles

emphasized Mencius’ doctrine that humans are good, insisted a rational principle at the heart of reality that is known through study of nature and personal reflection

School of Mind

emphasized that the rational principle that underlies all reality is best known though examination of one’s mind rather than through nature

confucianism problem

social chaos, governments and people in a constant state of war and struggle

confucianism cause

breakdown of virtue, people at every level of society fail to live a virtuous life and follow their social roles

confucianism end

societal harmony, reestablishment of proper societal relationships, each person should strive to perform their role in life, strive to become the ideal person

confucianism means

properly educate people on their duties in life, as well as uphold both inner and outer virtues

inner virtues

inward character

outer virtues

public behavior

jen (ren)

inner, “humanness”, “benevolence” - each person should consider the needs of the other as well

shu

inner, “reciprocity”, the silver rule, treat others the way you wish to be treated, repay kindness with kindness but repay evil with justice

hsueh

inner, “self-correcting wisdom”, recognizes that no one attains complete moral perfection, everyone has room to grow

li

outer, propriety/good form, represents the right way to act or following the correct behavior regarding to social relations and proper religious relations

hsaio

outer, filial piety, respect for elders and authority within the government

cheng-ming

outer, respect for the titles and names given to societal positions

te

if one lived a life of virtues they would be a positive moral influence