CONFUCIANISM THE PATH TO HUMANITY Zhou Dynasty 1027
- Slides: 10
CONFUCIANISM THE PATH TO HUMANITY
• Zhou Dynasty: 1027 -256 BC The warring states period • During the time of Confucius, China was in complete chaos. • The civilization had a lack of respect and a lack humanity.
THE 5 CONSTANT VIRTUES • • • Benevolence: Compassion Righteousness: Self Restraint Propriety: Respect Wisdom: Good V. Evil Fidelity: Honesty
• Confucius, a poor born teacher, felt that the only way society could improve was if people practiced –Jen (Ren) • Jen: Humanity Li: Rituals "To master and control the self and return to li, that is jen. " (Analects 12. 1)
THE 5 RELATIONSHIPS • He believed that everyone should have a role in society and that everyone should respect their role. • • • 1. Ruler and subject 2. Father and son 3. Husband wife 4. Older brother and younger brother 5. Friend and friend
FILIAL PIETY • Filial Piety – Respect for parents, elders, and ancestors.
• "To master and control the self and return to li, that is jen. " (Analects 12. 1) • Together, these two virtues create a highly cultivated and disciplined person who behaves properly in every situation and who is motivated by deep care and empathy for people. This person is the junzi, or superior person, mentioned above. They control their actions, impulses and desires in accordance with the demands of li and jen. As such, they exhibit a strong sense of personal power - called te in Confucianism - that compels people to follow their example.
QUICK RESPONSE: • How did Confucius believe that social order, harmony, and good government could be restored to China?
LEGALISM • Highly efficient and powerful government was key to restoring order • Law should be used to end civil disobedience • System of Rewards and Punishment
EXAMPLE • Harsh Punishment: Anyone caught outside his own village without a travel permit should have his ears or nose chopped off. • Sound familiar? !?
