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Questions and Answers
According to Robert Bellah, what best characterizes Confucianism?
According to Robert Bellah, what best characterizes Confucianism?
- A system of ancestor worship
- A civil religion (correct)
- A method of strict state control
- A strict legal system
What was a primary concern during Master Kong's (Confucius) time that he aimed to address?
What was a primary concern during Master Kong's (Confucius) time that he aimed to address?
- The abandonment of ancient traditions
- The rise of foreign influence
- The lack of proper burial rites
- The inability of gods to prevent social chaos (correct)
How did Confucius interpret the term 'ritual' (li)?
How did Confucius interpret the term 'ritual' (li)?
- As a means of communicating with ancestors
- As a set of secret practices by priests
- As both formal ceremonies and accepted social behaviors (correct)
- Solely as sacrifices to gods
What did Confucius believe was the basis for a stable, unified, and enduring social order?
What did Confucius believe was the basis for a stable, unified, and enduring social order?
What is meant by describing Confucianism as a 'diffused religion'?
What is meant by describing Confucianism as a 'diffused religion'?
According to Confucianism, what is the primary way to reform and perfect society?
According to Confucianism, what is the primary way to reform and perfect society?
What does 'ren' signify in Confucian thought?
What does 'ren' signify in Confucian thought?
Which of the following best describes the 'inner' aspect of Confucianism?
Which of the following best describes the 'inner' aspect of Confucianism?
What was the role of village lectures and civic awards in late traditional China?
What was the role of village lectures and civic awards in late traditional China?
According to Confucianism, what does it mean to approach the 'utopian' ideal in daily life?
According to Confucianism, what does it mean to approach the 'utopian' ideal in daily life?
Flashcards
Confucianism
Confucianism
Confucianism is a system of social and ethical philosophy that focuses on the importance of social harmony and moral conduct, emphasizing rituals, social order, and personal cultivation.
Rituals (Li) in Confucianism
Rituals (Li) in Confucianism
Confucianism emphasizes the importance of rituals (li) in maintaining social order and fostering a sense of community. These rituals encompass not only formal religious ceremonies but also social courtesies and accepted standards of behavior.
Civil Religion
Civil Religion
The idea of a 'civil religion' represents a shared set of beliefs and moral values that unify a society and its institutions. It forms the foundation of a society's common understanding and serves as a unifying force.
Confucianism: A Diffused Religion
Confucianism: A Diffused Religion
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Confucius' View on Social Order
Confucius' View on Social Order
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Ren (Humaneness)
Ren (Humaneness)
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Li (Ritual)
Li (Ritual)
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Role-Based Social Harmony
Role-Based Social Harmony
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Inner Confucianism
Inner Confucianism
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Neo-Confucianism
Neo-Confucianism
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Study Notes
Confucianism as a System of Social and Ethical Philosophy
- Confucianism is a social and ethical philosophy, not a religion.
- It evolved from an ancient religious foundation, establishing social values, institutions, and ideals.
- It's considered a "civil religion" and a "diffused religion", intertwined with society's institutions (family, school, state).
- Everyday life is seen as the religious arena.
Confucius' Interpretation of Zhou Religion
- Confucius aimed to revive the Zhou dynasty's religion; it was seen as bankrupt by many due to social upheavals.
- The key issue was finding a stable social order without ancestral or nature spirits.
- Confucius focused on Zhou rituals (li) as the basis for a stable society.
- He interpreted rituals as ceremonies embodying civilized behavior, not divine pleas.
- He broadened "ritual" to include social mores, essential for human civilization.
Confucianism's Social Principles
- Confucianism emphasizes defined roles and mutual obligations in all human relationships.
- Correct actions, starting from individuals and families, aim to improve society.
- "The Great Learning" outlines the process of social reformation through self-cultivation, extending from individual to world peace.
Confucianism's Conservative and Reformist Sides
- Confucianism is conservative, upholding established values and institutions, maintaining social order.
- It promotes respect for parents, loyalty to government, and social roles.
- Confucianism is also reformist, with a focus on humaneness (ren).
- Ren, translated as love or kindness, is the source of all virtues and emphasizes co-humanity.
- Ren ensures rituals maintain ethical content and nurture character.
Confucianism's Ethical Vision and Transcendence
- Confucianism's ethical vision emphasizes individual cultivation.
- Character development is lifelong, aiming for moral excellence (perfection).
- Everyday life is the arena of moral and spiritual fulfillment, achieving ideals in friendships, parenthood, etc.
Confucianism as State Ideology
- Confucianism became state ideology under Emperor Wu (140-87 BCE).
- The imperial state promoted Confucian values to maintain order.
- Later emperors endorsed village lectures on Confucian morals, rewarding filial sons and virtuous wives.
- Confucianism supported established institutions and social divisions.
Confucianism's Continuity and Adaptation
- Despite failures to fully achieve its ideals, Confucianism remained a source of hope and Chinese identity until the 1890s.
- Modern ideologies like Maoism share a similar focus on transforming society through everyday practices.
- Confucianism's influence continued, even after the People's Republic's abandonment of Confucian teachings.
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