Confucianism Notes PDF

CONFUCIANISM THE LIFE OF CONFUCIUS: Confucius, or Kong Qiu, was born in 551 B.C. and died in 479 B.C. During Confucius’ life, China experienced a period of moral decline as rival kings fought each other for power. PHILOSOPHY: Between 500 B.C and 200 B.C., Chinese thinkers developed ma...

CONFUCIANISM THE LIFE OF CONFUCIUS: Confucius, or Kong Qiu, was born in 551 B.C. and died in 479 B.C. During Confucius’ life, China experienced a period of moral decline as rival kings fought each other for power. PHILOSOPHY: Between 500 B.C and 200 B.C., Chinese thinkers developed major philosophies aimed to create a well-run and peaceful society. Philosophy is the study of the basic ideas about society, knowledge, and right and wrong. After decades of war, Chinese people welcomed these new ideas that sought to bring order to China. TEACHINGS OF CONFUCIUS: One major Chinese philosophy that developed at this time was Confucianism. Confucianism was based on the teachings of Confucius and became a guide to life in ancient China. TEACHINGS OF CONFUCIUS: In his teachings, Confucius urged people to: o Return to the traditional values of their ancestors and honor traditions o Live with integrity, morality, & good behavior o Prioritize education and always seek knowledge 5 KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Confucius believed that each person should place the needs of family and community above his or her own needs. 5 KEY RELATIONSHIPS: There were, according to Confucius, five key relationships integral to society: 1. Ruler d Subject 2. Father d Son 3. Husband d Wife 4. Elder Brother d Younger Brother 5. Friend d Friend 5 KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Within these relationships, each person needed to respect and obey those above them or set a good example for those below them. “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself” - Confucius INFLUENCE OF CONFUCIUS: Confucius believed that government service should be open to all men of ability and not simply limited to those of noble birth. Over time, Chinese emperors developed the practice of choosing government officials through civil service tests. INFLUENCE OF CONFUCIUS: Many people honored Confucius as a great teacher. His followers wrote down his sayings in the Analects. After his death, the teachings of Confucius spread throughout China and are still a part of the culture in many Asian countries today.