Confucius Notes

Confucius

Historical Context

• Lived around the same time as Plato, in the 6th century BCE (Before the Common Era).
• The period in Chinese history during his life is known as the Spring and Autumn Period.
• China was not unified at this time; it consisted of several states in conflict.
• The period following the Spring and Autumn Period is called the Warring States Period.

Biography

• Born in the modern Shandong province.
• Grew up poor; not from an aristocratic background.
• His mother was a teenager when she became pregnant, and 40 years younger than Confucius's father.
• His father died when Confucius was three years old.
• Educated at a regular school for common people.
• Worked for the government for a time but was forced out of his position as Minister of Crime.
• Married at 19, had children, and divorced his wife.
• His parents were apparently not married.
• His son also got divorced later.
• Began teaching at 66 and died at 72.

The Analects

• The Analects means "sayings."
• It is a collection of sayings and fragments explaining Confucius's teachings.
• Confucius did not write it; his disciples did over several generations.
• It is not presented in a logical, linear fashion; it often skips around.
• Confucius viewed himself as a transmitter of ancient wisdom, not an inventor.
• He sought to recover ancient wisdom in a period of societal decline.
• It remains one of the most studied texts in China.

Core Ideas

Humaneness (Ren)

• Key concept in Confucianism.
• Comprised of five core values: seriousness, generosity, sincerity, diligence, and kindness.
• Comparable to the Western concept of excellence or excellent character.

Benevolence

• Having concern for others.
• Reciprocity.

Ethical System

• Like Taoism (Tao Te Ching), it is more of an attitude or lifestyle than a list of doctrines.
• Focuses on the family.
• Strong advocate of social hierarchy, but not authoritarianism or despotism.
• Emphasizes the importance of everyone staying in their place in the social hierarchy.

Learning

• Philosophy is centered around learning.

Rites and Rituals

• Ceremonies are very important.
• Includes simple acts repeated regularly, such as greetings and holiday visits.

Filial Piety

• Reverence for parents.
• Based on patience, respect, empathy, and gentleness.
• Obligation toward parents even if they are mean.

Ceremonies

• Sacrifices, worship of deities, weddings, etc.

Cultural Unity

• Importance of sharing a culture and being unified as a society.
• A good society relies on tradition and moral training.

Humanism

• Focus on the human in the current, present world.
• Confucius did not write or speak about gods, the afterlife, or the supernatural.
• Deals with how to behave right now.
• A kind of secular morality.
• Deals with social reality.

Communist China's View

• Complex relationship.
• Marxism is about equality, whereas Confucius emphasized hierarchy.
• Modern China has tried to create unity among the Chinese people, which aligns with some Confucian ideals.

Ethics

• Doing what is right and not doing what is wrong.
• Being good is an end in itself.
• Morality is not about the benefits; it is a principle to strive for.
• Punishment is less effective at preventing bad acts than shame.

Family

• Filial piety: love and obligation between family members.
• Obligations are very important.
• Morality starts at home.
• Government and society should be modeled on ideal family relations.

Key Questions Addressed

• What does it mean to be a true gentleman?
• What does it mean to live in truth and follow the correct path (Tao)?
• What does it mean to model or exemplify, to be a good role model?
• Practicing these ideas, not just knowing them; acting in accordance with them.

Virtue

• Doing the right thing at the right time.
• Doing the right thing for the greater good.
• Not pure self-interest.
• Doing the right thing because it is an end in itself.
• Ultimately benefits society.
• Do the right thing in moderation; avoid extremes.
• Striving for the mean, the middle ground.