Group 1

Confucius
 Who is
Confucius?
Confucius
Confucius is one of the most important figures of Chinese philosophy.
Confucius lived near the end of what is called the Spring and Autumn period during the Zhou dynasty. This
period was characterized by feudal lords vying for power while the emperor's own authority waned. The
emperor's role was largely ritualistic during that period and could be described as priestly. Meanwhile, the
regional leaders derived their power through family ties, i.e., they were relatives of the emperor. But instead of
supporting the emperor and being concerned with the preservation of the state, they were largely unconcerned
with the greater good and tended to their own affairs.
Confucius was born into a time when social power was derived through a system of inheritance and preserved
through ritual. Moreover, that system had been decaying, leading to an increasingly inefficient (and therefore
unstable) government. This background provided an opportunity for Confucius to reform society since he was
capable but had no hereditary power or influence.
What

Confucius is best known for his
ethical and moral philosophy, which
emphasizes the importance of
virtuous conduct, family, and social
harmony. His teachings are recorded
in a collection of texts known as the
"Analects" or "Lunyu," which
contains his sayings and ideas on a
wide range of topics, including ethics,
governance, education, and
interpersonal relationships.
Ren ( 仁 ): Often translated as "benevolence" or "kindness,"
it is the central virtue in Confucianism, representing a sense
of empathy, compassion, and humaneness.
Li ( 礼 ): This concept encompasses rituals, propriety, and
etiquette, emphasizing the importance of proper behavior
and social norms in maintaining order and harmony in
society.
Xiao ( 孝 ): Filial piety, or respect for one's parents and
ancestors, is a cornerstone of Confucian ethics.
Yi ( 义 ): Righteousness or justice, which means doing
what is morally right and just.
Zhi ( 智 ): Wisdom and knowledge are valued in
Confucianism as essential attributes for making ethical
decisions.
Why
Confucius
Confucius sought to address the societal and political turmoil of his time by
promoting a moral and ethical framework that could guide individuals and
rulers in creating a just and harmonious society. His ideas were a response to
the chaos and moral decay that characterized the Spring and Autumn period
in China.
How
Confucius taught through a system of education and
personal example. He emphasized the importance of self-
cultivation and leading by moral example. He believed that
by practicing his teachings and virtues, individuals could
contribute to a well-ordered society. His ideas were later
codified into a system of thought known as Confucianism,
which became a foundational ideology in Chinese culture
and politics.

Confucianism has had a profound and enduring influence

on Chinese society and has also impacted the broader East
Asian region. It has been integrated into various aspects of
Chinese culture, including family life, education,
governance, and ethics. Confucius' ideas continue to be
studied and revered by people in China and around the
world.