Overview of Confucianism and its role in Chinese society and the Era of Warring States

2. Confucianism
 Founded by Kung Fu-tzu
(551 – 479 BC)

3. Teachings
 Recorded by his disciples (followers)
 The Analects main body of Confucius’ teachings
 NOT A RELIGION, it is an ethical system (deals with
human behavior and conduct).

4. Main Ideas
Human nature is to live in the company of others (in
a society).
2. Must be rules to guide behavior in society.
1.

5. Main Ideas
3. There are five basic
relationships that people
fall into.
4. reciprocal relationships
 duty in relationship
determined by one’s role
i.
ii.
Superior: protect, care
for, provides for, and love
inferior
Inferior: respect, honor, obey
superior
Superior
Inferior
Ruler
Subject
Father
Son
Older Brother
Younger Brother
Husband
Wife
Friend
Friend

6. Main Ideas
5. Family is training ground for the individual
 education at home is emphasized
6. Ruler should rule by example
 virtuous
 good government.

7. The Importance of Confucianism
 Official philosophy for more than 2000
 Good understanding of Confucianism necessary for
high ranking careers
Zhong guo
 ethnocentric
 Chinese believed they had nothing to learn from
foreigners
1.

8. Confucian Values
 Li: includes ritual, propriety, etiquette, etc.
 Hsiao: love within the family
 Yi: righteousness
 Xin: honesty and trustworthiness
 Jen: benevolence, humaneness towards others; the
highest Confucian virtue
 Chung: loyalty to the state