1. Confucianism

2. Confucianism Philosophy Goal How Achieved Influence Confucianism
Founder:
Confucius
Civil servants were hired on the bases of ability and had to pass tests.
Values such as respect for elders, proper behavior and love of scholarship became part of Chinese culture.
All people must respect and obey those above them. Those with authority should set a good example.
A just and peaceful society

3. Belief Systems Confucianism
Based on the writings of Confucius (ca 500 BCE)
Human nature is essentially good
Emphasized virtuous behavior
Hierarchal view of the universe
Focuses on relationships: ruler/subject, parent/child, husband/wife, older brother/younger brother, friend/friend. When each behaves correctly society functions correctly.
Moral foundations of govt.

4. Rise of Chinese Philosophies Confucianism
5 Basic Social Relationships:
Ruler & Subject
Father & Son
Husband & Wife
Older Brother & Younger Brother
Friend & Friend
Founder:
Confucius ( B.C.)
Ideas About Social Order:
Emphasis on family
Respect for elders (filial piety)
Ideas About Government:
Emphasis on education
Could change a commoner into a gentleman
Trained civil service essential for good gov’t

5. Confucianism originated in China, but its influence spread to Korea & Japan over the centuries.

6. What did Confucius believe?
People are basically good
Need to be trained
Training begins with family
Love family, later society

7. The Five Virtues
Honest
Trustworthy
Hardworking
Generous
Loving

8. Peace and Order
The most important things to Confucius were peace, and order.
He felt that everyone had a proper role in society, and that if people were willing to accept their role, and fulfill it, that peace and harmony would abound.

9. Respect for Elders
In order to help people accept their roles in society, and establish order, Confucius outlined how individuals should treat one another.
The most important of these ethics outlined the responsibilities of children to respect and listen to their parents, and other elders.

10. Ethics
He also laid out ethics for how subjects should follow rulers, for how rulers should treat subjects, how husbands and wives should treat one another, and how friends should treat each other.

11. Confucian goal Unconditional moral obligation to work for: Good ruler
Universal human well-being
Order & harmony
peace & happiness in this life here on earth
Good ruler
Morally good
Reasonable
Moderate – not extreme
Kind and helpful
Implications for Government
Best rulers are wise
Lead by example
Developed & used civil service system
Exams and training for gov’t jobs

12. The primary sources of Confucian philosophy
Confucius claimed to derive his teachings from “the Ancients,” whose wisdom is embodied in “The Five Classics” (Wu Jing)
The I Jing (“Book of Changes”)
The Shu Jing (“Book of History”)
The Shih Jing (“Book of Odes” [poetry])
The Li Ji (“Book of Rites”)
The Ch’un-ch’iu (“Spring & Autumn Annals”)

13. Confucianism originated in China, but its influence spread to Korea & Japan over the centuries.