CONFUCIANISM

Name

Course

Date

Confucianism was a theory that was developed by Keung Fu-tzu Latinized as Confucius and he was so much enthusiastic about the ability of humans. Confucius believed that each and every single human were intelligent beings that instantiated golly of heavens in the and therefore this was only accomplished by kindness. Confucius, although was not enthusiastic about why a few individuals were wise and compassionate sages, he however suggested that individuals were able to just choose not to be good. Confucius also did attribute the people’s environment as a key reason as to why at times people did turn out how they were. Although Confucianism was built on the basis of religious foundation in order to establish social values as well as institutions for Chinese, it is seen as a system of ethical and social philosophy.

Confucius emphasized on the principles of harmony and order. The beliefs wanted to establish institutions where people were able to live in harmony. The theory suggested a structure of both interpersonal relationship as well as proper governance. The government was seen as the noble duty as it’s ethical governance would result in joy among people. Confucianism explains the loyalty that exists among people who are at the same time able to bring joy to the people. Confucianism taught obedience to the authority as well as superiors in a society but these leaders in red to get the respect then they ought to be good to its citizens. If they are evil and unkind then the whole system in the society is destabilized. Confucius accentuated proper character of leaders.

Confucianism believed on a structure that was built right from the bottom, and that the basic unity of a society was the family. Through the family then one could be able to tell the economic, social as well as political units that were represented in the society. It is from the familial unit that each individual got the moral training and this was also the bridge that existed between a person as an individual and the society at large. Individuals were therefore able to attain their potential within the family unit. According to Confucianism, each family had a role they needed to play. These teachings were directed towards the government, where the subjects of a state were one big family with the emperor being their father and mother and thus needed to show respect to them. The emperors in turn were required to grant the subject their wishes.

Confusianism formed basis for the religion as well as the education system for china. Education was seen as means of attaining worth and leadership in the society. The Chinese system that was adapted Han Emperor Wu Ti was a non-hereditary system where high ranking officials were appointed through an examination system. Confucius believed his philosophy was the route to a civil society and the ideas of harmony, peace and respect would unite people thus creating stability instead of rebellion. Confucianism wanted to embrace individuals into being part of nature and thus able to act according to the rules and laws laid out by nature.

In conclusion, Confucianism stressed on aspects of correct behavior, loyalty, kindness and obedience to the people in power. It was a system that ensured there was harmony in the society. Although times have changed and most of these values are no longer followed, there were vital in helping build several empires including China which had a good governance system, Korea, Japan as well as Vietnam. To this day there are still followers of these teachings as well as places of worship that still teach these beliefs.

Bibliography

Primary Source

Gardner, Daniel K. “Epilogue: Confucianism in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries.” Confucianism: A Very Short Introduction, 2014, 112–20. https://doi.org/10.1093/actrade/9780195398915.003.0007.

Secondary Sources

“Confucianism.” Asia Society. Accessed March 19, 2020. https://asiasociety.org/education/confucianism.

Tiwald, Justin. “Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism.” Oxford Handbooks Online, June 2017. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199385195.013.41.