Confucianism: Philosophy, Religion, and History

• Confucianism is debated as either a philosophy or a religion due to both being "ways of life" that address knowledge and personal conduct
• Philosophy focuses on the individual, whereas religion emphasizes the community.
• Philosophy remains neutral on transcendence, while religion centers on realities beyond ourselves.
• Confucianism is regarded as a religion because it addresses the individual within their community, acknowledges supernatural beings, and accepts ritual practices.
• Confucius's philosophy underpinned Chinese education, culture, and religion for much of its history.
• Confucius lived approximately from 550 BCE to 480 BCE.
• Confucius unsuccessfully sought a government position and then became an educator.
• Confucius's teachings were recorded by his students, most famously in The Analects.
• Confucius aimed to teach and implement the will of Heaven.
• Social disorder stemmed from leaders not following Heaven.
• Heaven's mandate requires government to rule by virtue, serving as a social model.
• Human nature is inherently good, but must be activated.
• Goodness is initiated through role models, especially the gentleman (junzi).
• The junzi does what is right, matches words to deeds, and is aware of their moral failings.
• Junzi status is gained by observing and imitating those of higher social status.
• Confucian ethics are based on obligations to others, emphasizing one’s role in a network of relationships.

Key Terms

• Ren: Benevolence, Confucianism’s Golden Rule, defining true nobility.
• Li: Respect for tradition, proper ritual action, "doing things the right way."
• Xiao: Filial piety, obedience to parents and ancestors, reflecting a hierarchical society.

The Five Relationships

• Political: Ruler-minister.
• Domestic: Father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother.
• Social: Elder friend-younger friend.
• Proper alignment of these relationships leads to societal flourishing and order.
• Those on the right side of each pairing should defer to those on the left, like a son to his father.

Mencius

• The foremost interpreter of Confucius, expanded on his ideas in The Analects
• Human nature is inherently good, corrupted only by environment.
• Government should supply for basic needs, and social order will allow goodness to emerge.

Xunzi

• Lived two centuries after Confucius
• Human nature is inherently selfish, needing societal constraints.
• Social norms within the Five Relationships turn people towards good, curbing materialistic and ignorant impulses.

Mozi

• Criticized the Five Relationships for limiting love and respect, leading to corruption.
• He thought emphasis on expensive ritual and sacrifice was wasteful.
• He believed the ideal of the junzi lacked real-world impact.

Confucianism

• Shaped Chinese education, government, and ethics until the 19th century,
• Educated Chinese people in the past two centuries viewed Confucianism as hindering political and economic progress.
• The Five Relationships were deemed not modern enough.
• Maoist communism in the 1940s viewed Confucianism as backward.
• Confucian ethics, prioritizing family over state, were opposed by Mao.
• Many Confucian scholars, along with religious practitioners, were killed during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1969).

Modern Shift

• The Chinese government's view of Confucianism has shifted.
• Confucianism is now seen as social glue and a source of civic virtue, accelerating East Asian prosperity, particularly in China.
• The Five Relationships have been revived as a measure of tradition in a rapidly changing world.
• Confucianism emphasizes order, balance, and harmony, providing an antidote to social disparities and tensions.
• It supplies an ideology that teaches people to accept their place without challenging party rule.
• As a home-grown ideology, it is different from communism
• The party uses "Confucius Institutes" to promote soft power abroad.