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Humss11 Intro q2 Mod12 Confucianism
Humss11 Intro q2 Mod12 Confucianism
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This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
learn the World Religion and Belief System. The scope of this module permits
it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used
recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged
to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read
them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
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What I Know
Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
4. What is Tian?
a. It is the Confucius’ idea of heaven.
b. It means leadership
c. It is the Confucian God
d. It is the evil force in Confucianism
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8. Confucian woman’s life can be summed up into three stages which is
called “Three Obediences,” these are __________________.
a. Obedience to Tian; Obedience to Confucius; Obedience to Law
b. Obedience to her father; Obedience to her husband; Obedience to
her son
c. Obedience to Country; Obedience to Government; Obedience to
Nation
d. Obedience to parents; Obedience to ruler; Obedience to Teacher
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Lesson
“Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you.”
-Confucius
What’s In
Before we proceed to the next lesson, let us take a look back on the
previous lesson.
You can use different internet site to further explain the lesson.
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What’s New
From the persons that you are related below, tell your position in the
relationship whether you are superior, subordinate or equal. Then write
your role in each relationship. The first one was done as an example. Write
your answer in a sheet of paper.
Your Role-_______________________________________________________
SIBLINGS
Your Position-_____________________
With your
Your Role-_______________________________________________________
FRIENDS
What Is It
HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
During the reign Zhou dynasty, the proliferation of Chinese classical
thought happened. This phase of history of China was the result of several
factors such as technological and economic advancement, stronger political
units, political and social improvement and military development.
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In the Zhou dynasty, technological growth led to trading development,
which led to the increase in wealth. In the fifth century, Iron became common
and had replaced bronze as material for weapons, as well as agricultural tools.
This growth of production coincided with a rapid growth in trade, and, as a
consequence a new class of a wealthy merchants emerged. Therefore, this
became a threat to the nobility which led them to propagate a theory that
society is composed of four classes, these are:
1. the warrior-administrator;
2. the peasants;
3. the artisans; and
4. the merchants.
https://www.google.com/search?q=map+of+four+vassal+states+in+china&sxsrf=ALeKk01QIg87N4idaQnLdaN8CUzNTNWMcA:1603435435810&source=lnms&
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philosophers would try to find solutions to the social problems being faced
by society. Interest was focused on the society and not in individuals.
Because of these, philosophers have often been classified as practical
politicians because they were products of the proliferation of literacy and
part of the new bureaucracy. One of these philosophers was Confucius.
Life of Confucius
Confucius is the Latin name of Kongzi The following are the celebrations
or Kong Fuzi (honorific term) both means in countries in East Asia that
“Master Kong.” He was born on September influenced by the birth date of
28, 551 B.C.E. in a small feudal state of Lu Confucius.
(now Shantung province) in Qufu. His
personal name was Qui and his family name COUNTRY CELEBRATION
Taiwan Teachers’ Day
was Kong. He was from a noble family, but
Mainland Cultural
on the time of his birth, they had already lost
China Celebrations
much of their wealth. His first teacher was Hong Kong
his mother, and at the age of 15 he set his Singapore
heart upon learning. Thus, love of learning
became one if the highest virtue in Confucian
ethics.
He married at the age of 19 and had a son of
the age of 20. At this point in his life he had
already served in minor government posts and had
already gained a reputation as an all-around
scholar. When he was in 30s he had already
started a brilliant teaching career because of his
mastery of the arts of rituals, music, archery,
charioteering, calligraphy, and arithmetic. He is
often considered as the first person to devote his https://www.google.com/search?q=Confucius&sxsrf=
ALeKk00P7JpckoiGvON4vIQ-
whole life to learning and teaching for the aPRfadvlrg:1603888102274&tbm=isch&source=iu&ict
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improvement. He held several government positions kR2doe7YpjQ-k6Z2R-
including as arbiter,
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assistant minister of public works, and minister of justice in the state of Lu.
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Frustrated that his ideals and policies were brushes KU_8_EYdXNCPM
off by his superiors, he
soon left Lu. For 13 years, he wandered from state to state, trying to put his
theories to practice, at 67, he returned home to teach (where he gained more
disciples) and to preserve his classical traditions by writing and editing. He
died in 479 B.C.E at the age of 73 and he left around 3,000 followers who
preserved and put his other teachings to writing.
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CONFUCIAN BELIEF
Confucius’ Golden Rule: “Do not do unto others what you would not
have them do unto you,” teaches the ethics of mutuality and reciprocity.
Thus, it requires people to treat others equal to themselves and in equally
the same manner as they would have wanted to be treated.
Belief in Tian
“When you have offended against Tian (Heaven), there is nowhere you can turn to in your prayers” (Analects 3.31). This is one of
the passages in the Analects which shows Confucius’ idea of Tian or Heaven. Although Confucius is well-known to be a practical
philosopher who was not much interested in the superhuman real, he believed in Tian or “heaven,” an all-encompassing God.
Tian may also refer to that which is beyond human control. He believed that Tian is analogous with moral order but dependent
upon human intervention to bring its will into action.
Rectification of Names
Confucius believed that to return in an ancient Dao, people must play their important roles in society. This was called the
Rectification of Names or Zhengming. This include The Five Relationships: 1) ruler-subject; 2) father-son; 3) husband-wife; 4)
elder sibling-younger sibling; 5) friend-to-friend. The responsibilities originating from these relationships are shared and
reciprocal. For example, a minister owes loyalty to his ruler, and a child owes respect to the parents. In return, ruler must care
for his subjects, and parents must care for their children. Zhengming helps bring social order and harmony.
Confucius was silent on the concept of human nature, but Mengzi (Mencius) and Xunzi (Hsun Tzu), two Confucian followers and
philosophers, had different interpretations on the subject of human nature based on the Analects.
For Menzi, human nature is naturally disposed toward ren, or virtue of the superior man. He believed that all humans were
born with innate goodness which, on one hand, can cultivate through proper education and self-discipline; or be thrown away
through neglect and bad influence.
Xunzi believed that human nature is basically evil but can be improved through self-cultivation. Like Mengzi, Xunzi considered
the li or discipline is the key to cultivate human nature.
Five Constants
Also known as Five Classical Virtues or Wuchang, are the Five Constants, are the five most important Confucian ethics mentioned in the
Analects. These include the following:
1. Ren or benevolence
2. Yi or righteousness
3. Li or propriety
4. Zhi or wisdom
5. Xin or fidelity
Filial Piety
In Confucians, family relations provide a model for social behavior. It is said to have provided China with a strong sense of solidarity not only in
Chinese family, but also in Confucian social organizations and even among Chinese communities in different part of the world. The following
Chines tradition can be the manifestation of Filial Piety:
1. Worship to ancestors
2. Respect to parents and other elderly
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Sacred Scriptures
The Five Classics are a group of books which was regarded as early
Confucianism’s basic texts. This includes the Book of Change, the Book of
History, the Book of Poetry, the Classic of Rites, and the Spring and Autumn
Annals.
The Analects (or Lunyu) is also considered as an important source of
Confucian teachings since it contains a record of his conversations with his
disciples and his collection of sayings and ideas. It is believed to have been
written during the Warring State Period (475 B.C.E.- 221 B.C.E.)
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Worship and Observances
The Book of Rites recorded the rituals practiced by the Chinese for
many centuries. Some of these rituals have been classified under Family
Rituals, which are characterized as the person’s growth and maturity.
Coming of Age Rites – ceremonies held when a person reached a marriageable age.
Capping - A ritual where a male ages 15-20 receives his formal hat, ceremonial gown
and formal name.
Hair Pinning –gathering of 16 year old girl’s hair into knot after her engagement and
before her wedding day.
Mourning Rites – playing of music to accompany the corpse and to pacify the spirit
and sealing of the corpse in the coffin to avoid false death.
RELATED ISSUES
One characteristic of Confucian social order is the fixed and strict
hierarchy, with the higher partners being composed of men – father,
husband, and rulers exercising more right and privilege over women who are
placed in a subordinate position
FEMALE SUBORDINATION
Confucian women’s lives can be summed up into three periods also known as “Three Obediences:”
The patriarchal nature of Confucian is manifested in certain beliefs like preference for male children.
Another one, women are the ones expected to give dowry to the family of their groom when they get married,
and among poor families having female children has become a burden. This led to more cases female
infanticide and abortion every year.
.
Another issue related to hierarchy would be the authoritarianism,
which was influenced by philosophy of Legalism and which became the
guiding principle of the Chinese government during the Qin dynasty.
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AUTHORITARIANISM
Because Confucianism stresses the hierarchy between relationships, this has reinforced top-down
values and hierarchy systems by encouraging deference to one’s superiors – ruler, father, teacher, or anyone
older. When Confucian values are used to suppress opposition, thwart fresh ideas to surface, or to protect
apathy, then Confucianism poses a serious threat to the development of society and the flourishing of
democracy.
Confucianism has been criticized on the issue of father-son relationship, especially on the aspect of
allowing the bad behavior of a father requiring the son to accept it when it occurs.
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
While it is true that Confucianism advocates respect to the environment, its acceptance of people’s,
dominance to nature poses a threat to the issue. The Analects mentioned the subordination of animals to
social interests. Some experts also say that when faced to dilemma between maintaining social duties and
the environment, Confucianism would lead one to choose the former than the latter, Confucian logic would
give priority to defense of social duties over environmental protection.
The Analects contains passages that suggest Confucius’ neglect of or lack of concern for animals,
such as the following passage:
“There was a fire in the stables. When the Master returned the court, he asked, ‘Was anybody
hurt?’ He didn’t ask about the horses.” (Analects 10:12)
What’s More
You Complete Me
1. __ H __ __ D__ __ A __ __ __
The proliferation of Chinese classical thought happened.\ in this
dynasty.
2. W __ R __ __ N __ S__ __ T __ P __ __ I O __
The struggle for supremacy among these vassal states.
3. __ O N __ __ C __ __ __
The Latin name of Kongzi or Kong Fuzi.
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4. G __ __ D __ __ R __ __ E
“Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto
you.”
5. __ I __ __
Also known as heaven, an all-encompassing God.
6. __ H E __ __ M __ __ __
People must play their important roles in society which was called
the Rectification of Names.
7. __ U __ __ __ N __
The five most important Confucian ethics mentioned in the
Analects.
8. F __ __ E C __ __ S __ __I __ __
A group of books which was regarded as early Confucianism’s basic
texts.
9. A __ __ E __ __ __
Considered as an important source of Confucian teachings since it
contains a record of his conversations with his disciples and his
collection of sayings and ideas.
10. T__ __ E __ O __ __ D __ __ N __ __
Three stages of Confucian women’s lives.
4. Confucius is often considered as the first person to devote his whole life
to learning and teaching for the purpose of ___________________________
and improvement.
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5. . Zhengming helps bring social order and __________________________.
What I Can Do
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Complete the chart below on how to protect yourself and your family against
Covid-19 using Confucian teachings. An example was done for you.
Belief in Tian
Human Nature as
Originally Good
or Evil
Filial Piety
Assessment
Choose the correct answer. On a sheet of paper, write the letter that correspond to
your answer.
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3. It is the struggle for supremacy among these vassal states.
a. Zhou dynasty’s reign c. Peace State Period
b. Warring State Period d. Chang dynasty’s reign
7. Confucius’ Golden Rule, “Do not do unto others what you would not
have them do unto you,” explains ______________.
a. Requiring people to treat others equal to themselves and in
equally the same manner as they would have wanted to be
treated.
b. Good behavior is a great virtue in Confucian doctrine.
c. You can take revenge if someone hurt you.
d. Anyone can face Karma.
9. Xunzi believed that human nature is basically evil. But how can
someone be improved?
a. through self-cultivation c. through religion
b. through parental discipline d. through praying
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10. Which of the following explains Filial Piety?
a. Family relations provide a model for social behavior.
b. Strong sense of solidarity not only in Chinese family, but also in
Confucian social organizations and communities.
c. Respect to parents and to elderly.
d. All of the above.
14. Which of the following aspects shows the criticizing the issue of
authoritarianism.
a. Citizens being subordinate to the government.
b. Allowing the bad behavior of a father requiring the son to accept
it when it occurs.
c. The patriarchal nature of Confucianism.
d. Being obedient by the females.
15. Why it is said that Confucian logic would give priority to defense
of social duties over environmental protection.
a. Because Confucius allowed logging.
b. Because Confucius was not an advocate of recycling.
c. Because Confucius showed less concern and care for the
animals and nature.
d. Because Confucius didn’t give any teachings on how to protect
the environment.
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Additional Activities
My Realization
What did you realized after studying the Confucianism?
Write your answer to each aspects on the corresponding table below.
My Realization
History and Life of Confucius
Fundamental Beliefs of
Confucianism
RUBRIC
TOTAL
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What I Have Learned What I Know
1. Technological 1. D
development 2. A
2. Political Units 3. C
3. Practical 4. A
philosophers 5. A
4. Social 6. D
transformation 7. B
5. Harmony 8. D
6. Goodness 9. C
7. Evil 10. B
8. Change
9. Speeches
10. Ceremonial virtuals What’s More
11. Poetry
12. Family Rituals
1. ZHOU DYNASTY
13. Dowry 2. WARRING STATE
14. Bad behavior PERIOD
15. Animals 3. CONFUCIUS
4. GOLDEN RULE
Assessment 5. TIAN
6. ZHENGMING
1. D 10. D 7. WUCHAN
2. C 11. C
3. B 12. A 8. FIVE CLASSICS
4. A 13. C 9. ANALECTS
5. D 14. B 10. THREE
6. A 15. C OBEDIENCE
7. A
8. A
9. A
Answer Key
References
Books
Manaloto, Christian B. and Rapadas, Maria Teresita R. Pilgrimage to sacred
Spaces: An Introduction to World Religions. Quezon Ave., Quezon City.
The Phoenix publishing House Inc., 2016
Ong, Jerome A. and Jose, Mary Dorothy DL. Introduction to World Religions
and Belief Systems. Araneta Ave., Quezon City. Vibal Group Inc., 2016
Internet
https://www.google.com/search?q=Confucius&sxsrf=ALeKk00P7JpckoiGvO
N4vIQ-
aPRfadvlrg:1603888102274&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=nk7Xd7USkd
ds_M%252CTeoZ3nxk9KLd8M%252C%252Fm%252F01rll&vet=1&usg=AI4_-
kR2doe7YpjQ-k6Z2R-
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