The paper discusses both the Confucian moral theory and virtue logic in broader perspectives. The Confucianism looks at moral thoughts as a broad aspect of morality in our society. This is the reason why Xinzhong Yao argues in his book that morality can only start with individuals. The author outlines Ren as one of the primary moral principles which help the individuals for self-establish thus also establish others. The Confucians hold a strong belief that morality is constant for everyone and that it is not one of the things a person can choose to do or not do. One of the founders of Confucianism is Mencius that poses some questions with regards to morality. He argues that everyone who is morally upright has ever experienced a force of …show more content…
Yao (2000) argues that the man of Jen is always able to sacrifice his/her life which the aim of preserving the Jen concept because this is what normally makes him/her life worth living (Angle, Stephen and Michael Slote 2013). The author argues that Jen concept is the sense of the human dignity of life; it is a feeling of life dignity with regards to others as well as for oneself. These feelings indeed need to apply to every human beings but not just one race or group of individuals since such principles are the foundation of all men worldwide (Angle, Stephen and Michael Slote 2013). Yao (2000) disregards a belief held by other scholars that Jen can be obtained by arguing that Jen is based on the natural perfectibility concept of man thus men are not supposed to judge others with their actions of only satisfying their likes and avoid the dislikes (Audi 2009). Therefore, the Confucian moral theory significantly emphasizes on the decisive guide to human actions and that people must learn to extend Jen to others unconditionally.
According to Yao (2000) li concept is the principle of order, benefit, gain, propriety as well as a concrete guide to human actions. The concept has two major meanings which comprise of the concrete guide to the human relationships as well as the rules of proper actions that truly represent Jen (Bockover 2016). Also, another meaning of li
Both St. Augustine’s Confessions and Confucius’s Analects are influential teachings that have a vast influence on people around the world in the ancient time and currently. Both doctrines discuss ethical values of society back during the time they were written and leads us to find some similarities between the two. There are substantial distinctions between Confucius and St. Augustine’s experiences and beliefs since they are living in different environments and time periods. Their insightful differences are the influences that contributed to mold the distinct philosophies and traditions between the West and the East today. I
5. Why are the obligations we owe others proportionate to the closeness of our relationship to them? For Confucius, the amount of jen is relevant to the significance of that person in your life. Starting with the family, one’s neighbors, one’s village, one’s social class, all the way down to people on the street. Jen exists on all levels but is proportionate to the importance in your life, the time invested. Jen decreases as it is made available to a wider net of recipients, which seems oddly appropriate and sad to me.
For example, the Analects of government, sage, virtue, and manners give a sense of teachings and positive philosophies to follow in order to become a good ruler and obtaining and giving respect. While the Classics and ideals of popper conduct, political peace, moral power, love and ideal humanity help to reinforce the Analects by giving an ideology of a humanism. As Confucian gives words of wisdom of establish a community who should act only when necessary, use knowledge for the benefit of all, and to live in peace in order to developed a stronger culture. Confucius gives the Chinese people a focus on the cultivation of virtue and maintenance of ethics, creating a community of righteousness and moral disposition to do good and how one should act in a community. Overall, Confucianism is a source of values, the social code of the Chinese, and a substance of
The first Confucian Virtue Jen represents inner moral behaviors, compassion, love, humanity, and virtue. Mr. Matsuda-san lives the life of jen by sacrificing his life to preserve jen, for his consideration of humanity towards others, and that he seek to extend jen towards others. As for Li, this concept of Confucian Virtues, is the value that includes good manners, and the proper behaviors of acting. There is a part in the book where the neighbor Mr. Matsuda-san comes by to say that the noise their son is making is a meiwaku offense, however the way he goes about it is with very good manners. When it comes to hsin it deals sometimes with sympathy and empathy, but primarily it represents issues of faithfulness and sincerity. In the book there is a part regarding how the author came back to Japan when is old neighbor from Japan sends a letter saying this will be his last one he will be sending out. The author realized that there was a problem and he needed to go see his old neighbor Mr.
They want to emphasize individual virtuous behavior, both by the ruler and the ruled as well as highly recommending obedience and respect, “people should know their place, even under bad rulers.” Even the Han emperors decided to implement Confucius ideas after looking at their doctrine called The Analects. The book shows Confucian political value and social order which states that the aristocrats and the educated are of the highest degree, and then comes farmers, and finally, the merchants. Although both Confucianism and Legalism call for governmental hierarchy, Confucianism possessed an optimistic view of human potential while Legalists believe that a powerful government is necessary along with a carefully devised law rewarding for good deeds and punishing for bad
These Buddhist and Taoist principles mention are the backbone forming Li Mu Bai, but represents the basic antithesis to Jen Yu actions and reactions despite her skills of fighting. Instead of moving in harmony with the flow of chi she rebels against it. In the sequence there is a moment when they are both atop a bamboo stem and Jen Yu is trying hard to unbalance Li Mu Bai, but he looks at her with this pure innocent smile. He seems so calm and in balance with nature, because he and nature are both one. That affirms the Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. While, Jen Yu seems frustrated, unfocused, and unbalance.
Sometimes, life provides us with a challenge of either conforming to two ideologies or forgoing one and upholding the other. Being able to be both a Confucian and a Christian depends on how one weighs the similarities and differences of either part. It is well-acknowledged that both Confucianism and Christianity are significant. Their teachings have aided to form the value systems of Eastern and Western and cultures, which have navigated millions of people in behavior, spirit, mind, behavior, and relationships. Going through their doctrines, we can discover something in common. Nevertheless, if we take a direct look, we can see that the whole structures of their philosophies are completely different. The composition is aimed at
According to Reid, a few of the major “Confucianism” ethos and practices involve ‘Ren’, ‘yi’ and ‘li’ which represents the concept of ‘altruism’ along with clear depiction of the humanness for other individuals (Reid 29-66).
Secondly, Confucius viewed rules and laws as harmful. He argued that people led by laws and punishments will try to avoid punishment but lose the sense of shame. If they are led by virtue and guided by propriety, they will preserve their sense of shame and become good citizens5. He saw a country as an extended family and a ruler should take care of his citizens like a father would take care of his children. The ruler as the “father” would need to set a proper example for the right ethics to flow down5.
his father’s death, eventually the true measure of his character comes forth (Book I: 11).
One of the oldest philosophies in Chinese history is Confucianism. At the time of the warring states, Confucius wandered throughout China seeking a ruler who accepted the Confucian way. Since then, his ideas grew and are still relevant today. Throughout time other philosophers, Mengzi and Xunzi, have interpreted Confucius’ teachings and have long debated whether human nature is good or bad. I argue that human nature is not, as Mengzi believes, inherently good, instead, completely self-interested.
heart of the Christian faith and at its source of its traditions in Scripture is
Confucian thought is dominated by the integral idea that each man is fundamentally good, and that man only devolves from this state if faced with outside forces. Confucius emphasized these points when reviewing how best to solve the incessant disorder within China during the Spring and Autumn period. This period of disorder was the primary cause of Confucius’ teaching, with him seeking to remedy the chaos by encouraging people within China to live life according to his doctrine. According to Confucius, “there has never been a man who is not disrespectful to superiors and yet creates disorder. A superior man is devoted to the fundamentals (the root). When the root is firmly established, the moral law (Tao) will grow” (Chan p. 20). Here, Confucius emphasizes
Confucius lays out a wide and diverse system of values and ideals to uphold in the Analects. Mainstays of this system include the importance of devotion and loyalty to the vital people in one’s life. In this Confucian anelect, this kind of commitment is introduced “The gentlemen applies himself to the roots. ‘Once the roots are firmly established, the Way will grow.’ Might we not say that filial piety and respect for elders constitute the root of Goodness” (1.3). Here it is established that devotion and respect are pillars for the “perfect
From this class, I learn what is ethics and how the ethics effects in our society. The ethic is the principle that people use to determine people’s actions are right or wrong. Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher, believes that the Tao is related to the ethic. In Lao Tzu concept, Tao can teach people a rule of moral and the right attitude about life. In this paper, I will examine Lao Tzu’s Tao De Jing. The four things I can learn are the opposite things are contrasted,acting as water, knowing ourselves, and being content.