Confucius (Kung Fu-Tzu)* (551-479 BC)

Confucius (Kung Fu-Tzu)*(551-479 BC) *Family name = Kung (Kong) Personal name = Zhong-ni Kung Fu-Tzu (Kong Fu-zi) = “Master Kung” “Confucius” = Latinization of “Kung Fu-Tzu”

Historical backdrop:Confucius' China Confucius lived in the “warring states” period of China. Wandering warlords of little virtue were overthrowing legitimate kings. He was concerned about where his society was going; leaders weren’t caring well for society. Petty wars were constantly erupting. Society was emphasizing less education, writing, the arts. Families were in discord. Peasants were being unjustly burdened with heavy taxes to support their own life of luxury. Confucius worked his way up through government posts until age 50. He retired in frustration and began 30 years of teaching, which he saw as transmitting old wisdom from the sage kings). He did not see it as innovation, he was renewing age old values in a spirit of conservative renewal.

The 5 Chinese Classics Taoist: the oldest writings. Source: Lao Tzu I Ching (Book of Changes) The Book of Rites The Book of Poetry The Spring & Autumn Annals The Analects Some add Mencius’ (a later disciple of Confucius) The Great Learning and The Doctrine of the Mean. Believed to be edited by Confucius Believed to be written by Confucius

Confucianism (550 BC) The Grand Harmony Humanism: a term from the European renaissance/reformation that states that man should be the center of our view of the world (not God). Confucianism is essentially humanistic: human relationships are the key to virtue, happiness, a good life and a good society. Li= the rules of social order. No li, no peace. The mandate of heaven = how things are meant to be. Rulers must win the mandate of heaven. Lose it and they will fail, the kingdom will suffer and fall from power Confucianism has a positive view of human nature. It just has to be nurtured properly. How? 1. The Rectification of Names 2. The 5 Great Relationships 3. Ritual 4. Education

1. Confucian beliefs start with human experience and immediate human relationships: family, work and station in life. The main goal in Confucian thought is to live a moral and responsible and fruitful life within this context. 2. Education: learn your past, your culture, your history, great heroes, sages. 3. Cultivate goodness and good practice. Become a Chuntzu: a good role model. Lead by example. 4 Ritual .that shows respect for ancestors and others in societal roles. “He who does not know the rites, cannot make his stand.”. 5. Don’t lead society by force or fear ; use example, ritual, and encouraging . (Ideally, we would need no laws: very optimistic).

The primary sources of Confucian philosophy Confucius claimed to derive his teachings from “the Ancients,” whose wisdom is embodied in “The Five Classics” (Wu Jing) • The I Jing (“Book of Changes”) • The Shu Jing (“Book of History”) • The Shih Jing (“Book of Odes” [poetry]) • The Li Ji (“Book of Rites”) • The Ch’un-ch’iu (“Spring & Autumn Annals”)

Major expressions of Confucian philosophy after Confucius • Analects (Lun-Yu) • The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong) • The Great Learning (Ta-hsueh) • The Book of Meng-Tzu “The Four Books” (Ssu-chu) (Mencius, 371-288 BC)

Anthem The ancient State of Lu That’s where Confucius was born & spent most of his life.

Confucianism originated in China, but its influence spread to Korea & Japan over the centuries.

Central concepts in Confucian thought Metaphysics Ontology & Cosmology • Dao (“Way”) - the Ultimate; the One; the Absolute; the underlying Power; the Source • Yin/Yang - the dual expression of Dao; neither is superior to the other (see next slide) • The Plural World - the universe; Heaven & Earth; an ever-changing expression & blend of Yin & Yang (Heaven is Yang in relation to Earth; and Earth is Yin in relation to Heaven; but each is, in itself, a blend of both Yin & Yang.)

Yin & Yang female dark cool moist passive negative Yin Yang male bright hot dry active positive Earth & moon Heaven & sun Yin & yang is not a “good vs bad” type dualism. Good is achieved when the right balance and mix is achieved between yin and yang in a given thing/situation.

"A basic difference between the Chinese conception of yin and yang and other classical philosophical dualisms…is that whereas most dualisms are forever in conflict, yin and yang always act in harmony, and both are considered to be necessary to maintain the order of the universe." (Bilhartz 262)

Human nature: People are naturally & inherently good - need for cultivation via education People are naturally social & political. The goal of ConfuciansimIs the development & perfection of human nature within the social & political realm The human predicament: suffering as a result of failure to follow the “Way of the Ancestors” Disharmony & conflict between Heaven & Earth, between the ancestors & us; and between humans here on earth Solution of problem of suffering: reestablish harmony Confucian metaphysics, continued Anthropology(Human Nature & the Human Predicament)

Confucius’s primary goal: order, harmony, peace, & happiness in this life here on earth He had only a secondary interest in “transcendental” salvation, and avoided speculating about the gods, heaven, the nature of the soul and the creation of the world.

Confucius’ Axiology(Theory of Value) • Philosophy of art (aesthetics) - the moral & political purposes of art (especially music) • Moral philosophy (ethics) - the center of Confucian philosophy • Social & political philosophy (theory of government) - the need for morally & intellectually virtuous rulers & civil servants

The Chun-Tzu - the ideal of the Superior (self-actualized, virtuous, perfected) Person The Chun-Tzu is an exemplification of ideal virtue, of Yi, of Ren, of Li, and of Hsiao – see following slides…. Central themes in Confucianethical theory:

Ren (jen) - virtue • Negative formulation: Confucius’ Silver Rule from the Analects: • Positive formulation: cultivation of feeling (respect, empathy, compassion, love, reciprocity ) for all humanity

Yi - righteousness, just and appropriate conduct. • Confucianists, believe that there is an objective, absolute, and unconditionalmoral obligation on all of us to work for universal human well-being(the common good, the general welfare, which will include one's own true good):\

The Rectification of Names (Zheng-ming) (proper use of language) The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong) The Five Constant Relationships: parent-child husband-wife elder sibling-younger sibling elder friend-younger friend ruler-subject Confucian ethics, continued Li - Propriety (proper conduct)

Confucian ethics / Li, continued Filial Piety (Xiao, Hsiao)(devotion to & reverence for parents & family) • The institution of the family is the foundation of a well-ordered & civilized society (grounded mainly on respect of children for parents) • Respect for age (experience & wisdom)

Tomb of Confucius, Qufu. Religious Propriety Confucian ethics / Li, continued proper practice of traditional rites (worship of God, ancestors, Heaven, Earth, spirits; funeral services & sacrifices in honor of parents) Modern examples from Western culture: 1. Demeanor is important. Imagine a wedding were the bride and groom repeated there vows without any emotion or involvement. 2. The routine response to a sneeze “God bless you” is an example of Li. It seems trivial, but indicates concern for the person. Good habits have good effects. Li chi , or The Book of Rites , catalogs the many rituals that make up ancient Chinese life.

The importance of culture in the creation & maintenance of a well-ordered society Confucian ethics (& aesthetics?), continued Wen (learning & the arts) • Studying & learning • The arts - especially music (Confucius composed a “Book of Music” [Yueh Jing], which is sometimes referred to as a “sixth classic.”)

Confucian axiology, continued Confucius’ Political Philosophy • Te - the union of power & virtue • The characteristics of a good ruler (or civil servant): • moral goodness (virtue & propriety) • rationality • moderation • benevolence

Confucius (Kung Fu-Tzu)* (551-479 BC)