1. Confucius

2. Lived 551-479(?) BCE earned a living as a traveling philosopher & advisor to princely courts his teachings (sayings) were collected by his disciples in the Analects

3. Confucius lived during a time of great disorder in China. He was profoundly affected by the chaos he saw around him. As a result, he sought to create a philosophy and guide to living that would ensure order in society. His philosophy sought to answer the question, “What principles, ethical and political, should guide human conduct to ensure an orderly society?”

4. Basic Principles What is Jen? “ren” human heartedness; goodness; benevolence, man-to- man-ness; what makes man distinctively human (that which gives human beings their humanity). whatever affects one, affects all & all have jen “Do not do unto others what you do not wish done to yourself.” jen should always be expressed in action

5. Basic Principles According to Confucius, what is the right action? that which ensures order in society in order to do so, individuals must fulfill definite roles in society

6. Basic Principles What are those roles? (the five key relationships which govern human society) ruler to subject (loyalty) father to son (filial piety) husband to wife (love & obedience) older brother to younger brother (brotherliness) friend to friend (faithfulness)

7. Basic Principles in each relationship, there are duties and responsibilities that each person owes the other; one person has authority over the other the subordinate should give loving obedience to the superior the superior should be lovingly responsible for the subordinate

8. China’s Worldview How would a strong belief in Confucianism affect the way you acted and the way you viewed the world? Identify 3 specific examples from your life where you would have acted or thought differently in the past month if you were a follower of Confucius.