...Confucianism Dorcas Gray REL/133 March 30, 2015 Elizabeth Jarnagin Confucianism Confucianism is an ethical system which was founded by Confucius “Master King.” Confucianism is based on Confucius belief that all persons are capable of doing good. The core idea of Confucianism is humanitarianism, and it is often thought of as a system that regulate social groups. However, according to Molloy (2013), “Confucianism is not just the ideal of an orderly society but also the ideal of a perfect human being” (p. 230). With this information, the paper will provide information on the five great relationships according to Confucianism, the ideal person act, and the role of Confucianism in Chinese culture and society today. The Five Great Relationships According to Confucianism, relationships are perceived to be a combination of individuals interwoven, and exist as a unit despite inequalities. However, these differences give rise to the development of different class of relationships which are divided into five groups such as: • Father and son – Confucians see family as the foundation of existence and the father and son relationship as the core (Molloy, 2013, p. 231). Parents have the responsibility to provide and lay a foundation for their children. Children should at all times be respectful to their parents, and when the parents are old, children are obligation to care for them. • Older and younger brother – An older brother is expected to assume the responsibility of helping...
Words: 749 - Pages: 3
...Confucianism REL/133 February 6, 2012 Mr. Michael Hilley Confucianism Confucianism is a philosophy developed in China and is often seen as a religion. It helps individuals learn and understand themselves and become one with society. Confucius’s primary goals are order, harmony, peace, and happiness. Confucius attempts to develop the perfect person through concepts such as ren, li, shu, xiao, and wen. A person must work towards these items to achieve Chun-Tzu, which is an exemplification of ideal virtue. Ren is virtue and humanity. When developing ren, one must develop a cultivation of feeling emphasizing respect, empathy, compassion, and love for all humanity and all people. This is extremely important because it places care in one’s heart and helps them overcome the negative exterior. Ren is an excellent quality to have and in Confucianism, it helps lead to the ideal human being. Li is propriety and proper conduct. This is doing what is right. This is treating people with courtesy and respect. Without Li, one cannot be the ideal person because they will lose their ability to respond to other human beings. In Confucianism it is essential to do what is right and exhibit proper conduct in order to become the ideal person. Shu is known as the Golden Rule and it emphasizes reciprocal actions and effects. Shu is one of the most important teachings of Confucianism. This is basically treating people the way you would like to be treated. Shu emphasizes an attitude towards...
Words: 429 - Pages: 2
...Confucianism is one of the oldest philosophies in the world. Confucianism is based on the teaching of Confucius, who was born in 551 BCE in China. His teachings on the five great relationships and how the ideal person should act would shape China and other Asian nations to this day (Confucianism, 2015). The primary focus of Confucianism is the Five Great Relationships. These are the relationships of people in society and their importance. The first and most important is the father-son relationship. According to this relationship, the parents are responsible for their child’s education and the forming of the moral beliefs of the child. The children should be respectful and obey their parents. The children should also take care of their parents when they get old and are no longer able to take care of themselves. After the parents death, the children must honor their parents’ memory and take care of their graves and honor pictures of their parents. This relationship is the basis for all other relationships. Second is the elder brother-younger brother relationship. In this the elder is responsible for the younger and the younger must obey the elder. This is much like the father-son relationship. In fact, if the father should die the eldest son would then take his place as head of the family. Third is the husband-wife relationship. The husband and wife are responsible for taking care of each other. The husband is the head of the house and the protector of the wife. The wife is responsible...
Words: 685 - Pages: 3
...Confucianism Religion /133 1/13/16 Confucianism What is Confucianism? "Confucius," the common name of Confucianism's founder, is a Latinized form of the Chinese K'ung-fu-tzu, "Master K'ung." The terms "Confucianism" and "Confucian" are not meaningful terms in Chinese. They are Western terms, coined in Europe as recently as the 18th century. As we dive deeper into this paper on Confucianism we will learn about the Five Great Relationships and the role of Confucianism in Chinese culture and society today. Five great Relationships According to Confucius, each person had a specific place in society and certain duties to fulfill. Confucius hoped that if people knew what was expected of them they would behave correctly. Therefore, he set up five principal relationships in which most people are involved. These relationships were (1) ruler and subject; (2) father and son; (3) elder brother and younger brother; (4) husband and wife; and (5) friend and friend. All, except the last, involve the authority of one person over another. Power and the right to rule belong to superiors over subordinates; that is, to older people over younger people, to men over women. Each person has to give obedience and respect to "superiors"; the subject to his ruler, the wife to her husband, the son to his parents, and the younger brother to the older brother. The "superior," however, owes loving responsibility to the inferior. ...
Words: 644 - Pages: 3
...Confucianism REL/133 July 20, 2015 Joseph Butryn Confucianism Five Great Relationships Relationships in Confucianism are very important and are recognized according to their hierarchy. They start with the father-son relationship, then the elder brother-younger brother relationship, husband-wife relationship, elder-younger relationship, and finally the ruler-subject relationship. The Five Great Relationships signify that each person must live up to his or her social role and social status (Molloy, 2013). Ideal Person Confucianism believes in becoming an ideal or perfect person. This perfect person is the junzi (chün tzu)—a term usually translated as “superior person,” although a better translation may be “noble person” (Molloy, 2013). In such a noble human being the Confucian ideals have been inculcated since childhood, and the virtues have been practiced for so long that the whole Confucian manner of relating to the world has become completely natural (Molloy, 2103). Role of Confucianism It has not been easy for Confucianism to exist in the modern world. China even began to move away from it. Confucianism was accused of enslaving women to their fathers and husbands, of subjugating sons to tyrannical fathers, and of keeping alive a culture and literature that only looked to the past (Molloy, 2013). However it seems now there might be a turnaround for Confucianism. Rather than dying, Confucianism is possibly beginning a new stage in its long life (Molloy...
Words: 307 - Pages: 2
...Contemporary Confucianism REL 133 March 11, 2014 Confucianism The system of thought known as Confucianism has its roots in the teachings of the Chinese scholar Confucius, who lived over twenty-five hundred years ago. Confucius devised a set of guidelines for individual moral development and for creating a harmonious, orderly society. During the early twentieth century, Confucianism lost its dominance in the political and educational systems of China. Throughout the modern era, the moral teachings that form the heart of Confucianism have continued to shape the attitudes and behaviors of millions of people worldwide.(Coogan, 1998) The contemporary issues can be understood by examining the common characteristics of Confucianism and other eastern religions, analyzing the interactions between the modern world and Confucianism, and studying how those interactions influence Confucianism and the modern world. Common Characteristics Among Eastern Religions Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are three religions that make up the essence of traditional, Chinese culture. While all three religions have differences, the religions also share fundamental elements such as purpose, principle, and teachings that have created a strong and long lasting way of life for the Chinese culture. When comparing religions a person can deduce that all religions have a purpose and follow a specific set of rules, guidelines, and traditions. The vessel that leads each individual to their ultimate purpose...
Words: 2341 - Pages: 10
...Confucianism is a set of beliefs that were developed from the teachings of Confucius, who lived in the 6th century BCE in China. One of the ideas is that you must be virtuous, expressive in modesty, truthfulness, loyalty, charity, and learning. Similar to most religions, Confucius did not keep texts in his own words, more so of keeping records from his students and their students and so on. Unfortunately, during the Qin Dynasty, most of the texts were burned, as were all materials referring to Confucianism. Later, during the Han Dynasty, Confucian thought was the basis of the rules and laws in China but, was quickly discarded for Buddhism. Eventually, a blend of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism was made to create laws and establish peace by emphasizing how relationships should be in terms of family. There a five principal relationships: husband and wife, parent and child, elder and younger siblings or all younger persons, ruler and subject, and friend and friend. The Golden Rule, “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others,” is also part of the philosophy. Through righteous behavior and epitomizing right relationships, harmony is established in the person and the kingdom. Confucianism also includes the concept of the divine: Men should have three awes: Heaven’s decree, great men, and saints (past thinkers or ancestors.) The philosophy goes against war and enforcement of too many laws, believing that the people will live in harmony any govern themselves. ...
Words: 574 - Pages: 3
...on the negative side of Heaven, had no other recourse to redeem them as is taught and followed in Christianity. There is no redemption in Confucianism only to live truthfully and honor the Earth for what the Earth gives. The Five Great Relationships are as follows: * Kindness in the father and obedient devotion from a son * Gentility in the eldest brother and humility with respect in the youngest * Righteous behavior in a husband and obedience from the wife * Kindness towards the elders in the family and humility in younger generations * Benevolence in Rulers (or to perform goodness) and loyalty from ministers and those subjects The Ideal person is to become educated and live a moral life. He taught that if man is good by nature, then it is quite simple to acquire what is natural to humans where kindness and generosity should be prevalent. An Ideal Man will live in squalor with minimal means, and still have authentic happiness for himself and those around him. This type of man has no jealousy for those who dwell in riches nor shun those less fortunate. The important features of an Ideal man according to Confucius are a man that remains humane to all things given by the Earth and to not acquire comfortable living means in ill-gotten ways. Confucianism in modern Chinese culture has seen revivals in Confucianism and President Hu Jintao developed the idea of “Harmonious Socialist Society” based upon Confucius ideals (Dr. Li Yiu, 2011). Confucius was...
Words: 598 - Pages: 3
...Confucianism Elaine Gaynor REL/133 02/01/2015 Dr. David Fraser Confucianism Confucianism is the way of life, a religion which was given by Confucius in the 6–5th century BCE. This was later followed up by Chinese people now for more than two millennia. It showcases as well as preaches the importance of educational and moral development in different individuals. This initially began in China but later spread through the south east, and East Asia, later gaining popularity in Japan, Korea and Vietnam also. There are five different relationships which are espoused by Confucius, which if governed by Li (a guide) then there will be harmony, as set up by Confucius. Five Great Relationships The relationships set up, were believed to be assisting individuals live in harmony. The level of any relationship can be different factors such as friendship, kindness , including the social factors such as age and socioeconomic factors. The five great relationships are described a follows: 1. Father-son relationship: love and nurturing from the father and care in old age from his son. 2. Elder brother-younger brother: an elder brother must be caring and similarly, younger must be respectful as well. 3. Husband-wife: Husband assures kindness and security towards his wife...
Words: 597 - Pages: 3
...Confucianism Alaine Rena Shuler REL/133 May 30, 2016 Dr. Arthur Gray Confucianism Confucianism is a way of life taught by Confucius in the 5th-6th century BC. It is a philosophical and socio-ethical political teachings. There are five major human relationships that they believe governed by, Li. Confucius hoped that if people knew what was expected of them they would behave correctly. He believed that that these relationships are central to social life; all these must be properly maintained to keep a healthy society. Therefore, he set up five principal relationships in which most people are involved. These relationships were (1) ruler and subject; (2) father and son; (3) elder brother and younger brother; (4) husband and wife; and (5) friend and friend. All, except the last, involve the authority of one person over another. They believe that there is one person over the other, the older the younger the man over the woman. Each person has to have obedience to the other one that is in the subordinates. But the superior one has to have a loving responsibility to the other. The ideal person is one that has the qualities that include saint, scholar and gentleman. Confucius termed the name Jinzu to mean the ideal person. Unlike the petty person, who cannot transcend personal concerns and prejudices and acts only for his own gain, the junzi is cultured and knows how to act and speak appropriately in...
Words: 433 - Pages: 2
...| Confucianism and Taoism | | Chinese Politics [Date] | Confucianism and Taoism are some of the major religions in China. They have greatly influenced the culture of the Chinese people as well as their world view. The connection between the two religions has influenced many people over time. It can also be said that when the principles of both philosophies are put together, the outcome is a well-rounded person. The following is a discussion of the principles and philosophies behind these two religions as well as how the two religions interact and connect to influence an individual. Confucianism is a religion that bases its philosophy and principles on the teachings of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher who lived between 551 and 478 BC. The Philosophy behind Confucianism is humanism. Confucian devotees have a positive view of human beings and human nature. The world in the Confucian religion is seen through the ideal of humanism. This means that devotees of Confucianism hold it true that human beings are improvable, teachable and perfectible. Human beings can become perfect through individual and shared effort for example self-creation and cultivation. The general philosophy of Confucianism emphasizes individual and governmental morality, rightness of social relationships, sincerity and justice of the whole community.All devotees of Confucianism should practice ethics that are exemplified by the propagation of virtues or principles. There are many virtues that adherents...
Words: 892 - Pages: 4
...At the end of the Zhou dynasty, the period of the seven warring states began. During this time, there was no social or political order. China was very chaotic. Three Chinese philosophers emerged, all with different ideas on how to restore order in China. There names were: Confucius, who founded Confucianism; Lao Tzu, who founded Daoism; and Han Fei, who founded Legalism. Legalism and Confucianism both believed in leading China by law. However, Legalists believed in harsh punishment, whereas Confucianists believed punishment would not do China good. Confucianists and Daoists both believed in pleasing the people. But, while Confucianists believed in pleasing people through law and order, Daoists believed that not having laws would please the...
Words: 998 - Pages: 4
...Asia are laid by following the roots of their religions. Daoism and Confucianism are two of the most popular religions in China. Daoism or also known as Taoism , is traced to the collection of poems called the Dao dejing ( The classical of the Way and Its Power). For Daoism , daoist truths must be experienced by oneself. The Dao is a manifest in the yin and yang forces. The Yang is described as as force representing the active, hard, warm dry, bright, positive masculine, and the yin has the exact opposite of the previous descriptions. These two are complementary forces which must be in balance in order to de ideal. In Daoism , everything in nature consist of these two energies. In Daoism the main problem with society is that one does not know who they truly are and we keep resisting ourselves from our actual self. In order to be in harmony, ones goal is to have a natural and simple life. This can be done by practicing the Wu wie which means inaction or nonpurposeness, meaning no ambitions, no desires, no needs. If a person is able to achieve such , they would be able to live the natural and simple life and be in harmony with the Dao. Now, the other religion also commonly used or lived by in china is Confucianism. This religion was from the time of Confucius, he was the founder. This religion was preoccupied with the way of social harmony, instead of the cosmic harmony as it was seen in Daoism. In Confucianism, humans are improvable by personal and communal attempts especially...
Words: 346 - Pages: 2
...The Confucianism Tradition Kim Jones REL/133 April 6, 2015 Dr. John Shear The Confucianism Tradition Confucianism is a philosophical tradition in China. The culture was created by the philosopher Confucius. Confucius was born around 551 B.C in China. In his teaching, Confucius believe the way to having a good life is by obtaining excellent ethics. “Meaning a human being becomes a full person through the contributions of other people and through fulfilling one’s obligations (Molloy, 2012 pg.17)”. In the Confucianism tradition, there are many values and beliefs; including the five great relationship; the ideal way a Confucian should act; and the role of Confucianism in the China culture in today society. In the Confucianism tradition, social roles and relationship are imperative in the culture. The Confucius’s perfect society live according to the ethics of the five relationship; which includes are father and son, Elder and younger brother, husband and wife, elder and younger, and ruler and subject. In the father and son relationship, the father has compassion for his children and is responsible for their education. The children must be submissive and loyal to their parents. In the elder and younger brother relationship, the oldest brother holds the responsibility for taking care of his younger siblings, and the younger brother must respect and obey his oldest brother. The husband and wife relationship consist of the husband being the protector of the family...
Words: 565 - Pages: 3
...Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism were all introduced to China during the chaotic Warring States period in part due to intense interstate warfare. These philosophies acted as a guide for not only citizens but rulers as well. Thus, the popularity of these philosophies varied depending on the ruling family’s ideology. Therefore, philosophical beliefs helped govern and build positivity. This week, I will be comparing Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism, and their role in addressing the chaotic late Zhou period. Confucius, also known as Master Kong, was a justice minister and the founder of Confucianism. His school of thought primarily focused on ambiguous rituals which allowed man to find their inner “goodness.” Despite his focus on ceremony, Confucius’ teachers were to be thought of as an ethical system rather than a religion. Thus, he taught his followers to be respectful to their family members, ancestors, and elders:...
Words: 1158 - Pages: 5
