Confucianism In Classical China

"Slowly, a new social and political hierarchy emerged, with scholars at the top, followed by farmers, artisans, and merchants" (Spodek 215). Confucian principles influenced many aspects of the culture, including government, education, commerce, and the justice system. Not only did Confucianism influence how the Chinese society operated, there was a strong emphasis placed on documenting history. This transformation took place mainly due to more people being educated in Confucianism and changing of leadership roles based on the worth and abilities of the

during the Zhou Dynasty, China was experiencing a great deal of political turmoil. A major part of this era was called the Period of the Warring States. It was a time when there were numerous wars that occurred due to the conflict that existed between seven states. (Watkins, 2013) These warring states were the Han, Wu, Zhao, Chu, Qi, Yan and Jin. According to Jerry H. Bentley and Herbert F. Ziegler of the book Traditions and Encounters, “This period forced some people to reflect on the nature of society, and the roles of humans beings within society.” The authors continued saying that it forced others to “identify principles that would restore political and social order.” (Bentley & Ziegler, 2011) The principles of Confucianism were established and followed in order to help the citizens of China to live and govern their communities more efficiently. Through Confucianism, Confucius helped legitimize China’s rule and bring about order in the mist of turmoil. The effects of Confucius’ principles are still seen and felt today in many aspects of modern day Chinese society. Veritably, there were points throughout Chinese history where Confucianism affected almost every aspect of life in China. Confucius has impacted the development of Chinese thought and culture in various ways from education to politics, to familial relationships.

However there were of course the views of the great Han Fei who wanted china to maintain it with powerful government interaction. According to (Doc.3) Han Fei Says “To govern the state by law is to praise the right and blame the wrong.” This means that if there is to be control and order there must be an extreme distinction between right and wrong. The government must not depend on its citizens to just respect there ruler they must enforce it. The difference between the two men’s philosophy’s would be this while Confucius relies on its citizens to respect its leader if the leader rules with goodness and respect Han doesn’t rely in his citizens to do good but enforces them to do good. As can be seen the two philosophers had different but effective ways to lead ancient

The Roman empire had an effective system of government through civil service. He paid workers to manage the affairs of government, such as the grain supply, tax collection, and the postal system. They had an organized way of carrying out day to day operations and controlled an entire empire through this. This also gave the common people jobs too, “Although the senate still functioned, civil servants drawn from plebeians and even former slaves actually administered the empire” (162). The Han had a similar system but ultimately, the common people weren't accounted for and the poor couldn't have government jobs. Wudi set up a school where hopeful job applicants from all over China could come to study Confucius’s works…. In practice, few peasants could afford to educate their sons. So only sons of wealthy landowners had a chance at a government career (203). The Han’s system was effective but not as effective and proactive as the Roman empires because the Roman’s system involved all people and gave all people

Dynasties after that would rule by saying the previous dynasty lost their mandate. (Ch. 5 pg. 93) Finally, the Han Dynasty introduced the first bureaucracy system, in which the central government appointed representatives in the district. (Ch. 8 pg. 159)

During the Qing dynasty, Confucianism seemed to be rigidly placed upon the people of China which became overwhelming. In the earlier period, Confucianism had a really important place in

Firstly, Confucianism prized the rule of men over the rule of law; that is to promote harmony in the people over the interest of a ruler. If a ruler has appropriate personal conduct the government will be effective without needing to issue order. However, the ruler do not have the correct conducts, his orders will not be obeyed.

The most successful governing system and political philosophy was those of the Tang dynasty because they adapted the laws of earlier dynasties and improved where needed. Their new imperial academy continued to teach governance while all civil jobs were based on an imperial exam that prevented people from succeeding because of their family. Therefore, allowing anyone to have an equal shot at higher up jobs if they were smart. Also, the regular changing of positions in government prevented bureaucrats from gaining too strong a fan base, potentially having people trust their leader more than the emperor. Unlike the Tang, the Qin dynasty did not promote education and would punish scholars. They created power from military not from the people, which

Some believe that Confucianism is not a real religion but is just an ethical and philosophical system, which developed from Confucius’ thoughts and later was treated as a kind of belief to educate common people. It obtained its stable position under the reign of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), and became the ideology of the society in the feudal system since then. The traditions and principles in the Confucianism played an important role in the formation of Chinese people’s thinking patterns and teaching methods.

The framework advanced over time. Traditional China boasted two crucial causes to the Warlord Era: firstly, the undersized role of the military and its all-around reliance on civil officials. A historical heritage dictated relations between military and civil officials. Confucius himself pointed out the chiefdom of the civil above the military. Confucian virtues did not include military exploits; so there is no wonder why Confucians held warriors in neglect and categorized being a soldier as unpopular. As a result, civil authorities constantly imposed strict control over the army. Additionally, with the plight of the western world not yet upon them, China saw little need for a strong centralized military, unless during a time of dynastic transition. Quite expectedly and naturally, civil officials in all state affairs within the framework of this policy had the priority, which in turn led to the growing popularity of the civil service. The civil service examination had long channeled the talented and ambitious to the service of the imperial bureaucracy. The rise of the system of warlords was also caused by the absence of an institutional passage to power. No longer in use, it left one with nothing to follow but one's own ability to survive. Consequently, military power

• 551-478 BCE: Confucius lived his life devoted to teaching o He traveled through China preaching his ideas of political virtue and good government o He believed in a divine order and saw himself as a spokesman for Chinese tradition o He thought if people could be taught to emphasize personal virtue then a solid political life would naturally result o List of virtues stressed respect for one’s social superiors o According to him moderation in behavior, veneration of custom and ritual, and a love of wisdom should characterize the leaders of society at all levels • Confucianism- a system of ethics, “ do unto others as your status and theirs dictate”, and a plea for loyalty to the community • Confucian doctrine was recorded in a book called the Analects and was revived under the Han emperors • Confucian learning along with traditional literary works was incorporated into the training of aspiring bureaucrats • Problems Confucius set out to fix were approached through an emphasis on individual virtuous behavior, both by the ruler and the ruled • He built into his own system the links among many levels of authority that came to characterize larger Chinese politics at their best • It also emphasized personal restraint and the careful socialization of

In Zhou China the old political power gave way to new radical thinking. There were more than five hundred battles among states and one hundred civil battles all taking place within two hundred and sixty years, known as the Spring and Autumn period. Confucius was a product of this violent period. Though he believed the government had the best intentions he was frustrated by the separation of rival states. Confucius beliefs became popular and were preserved by his followers. Soon elites and commoners were trying to maintain stability through religion, medicine and statecraft. Soon state and scholars became alliances. The rulers used the philosopher’s expertise on matters of punishment, astronomy and prophecy. Confucianism’s

“Confucianism sought to establish norms for all aspects for Chinese life, from relationships within the family that stressed respect for one’s elders to the importance of art, music, and elegant calligraphy in the cultivation of scholar-bureaucrats.” Confucius was a philosopher, whom lived in the late 6th century B.C.E. who after being rejected for a high post in the Kingdom of Lu’s bureaucracy left the kingdom in search for a ruler would recognize his talents and grant him a position. He believed that some superior men were destined to govern and set a precedent for common man and that these men were not born superior but were made because of their education and training. He also believed that they should not be given power to set themselves

Confucianism was based around the ideal relationships between people in different roles that they play. The roles were the models for families, society, and government. To me the this was shown as something that benefited the people, because when someone grows up they start to understand where they stand in society and how to deal with certain situation that take part with people that are in higher power. For example, when interacting with the Emperor or the rulers emissary, that person’s relationship with them will be somewhat equivalent to the one they have with their parents, which would help them stay protected. The roles help the inferior because they are protected by the superior and in return they get the respect and obedience from the inferior.

Confucius was a researcher who served in government positions. He realized that the legislature was doing as well as could be expected, on the other hand, he likewise realized that war was among them. Consequently, Confucius was resolved to locate an illuminated ruler. He had confidence in family and that family was the establishment of a moral society. "Confucius set up any of the real rules for Chinese thought and activity: regard for the declarations of researchers, duty to expansive instruction, and preparing for all who were exceedingly astute and willing to work." (pg. 164) Due to Confucius being solid willed, he put forward new ethics focusing on ceremonies, obligation and dedication to family and the ideal of good character. Confucianism was