...5 Great Relationships in Confucianism May 3, 2010 World Religions 5 Great Relationships in Confucianism Confucius believed that a perfect society was one where each member of society would be protected and taken care of. A society where no one felt abandoned. He believed that each person had a social role and that this type of society could be achieved if people played their roles properly. In Confucianism there are 5 great relationships. They are father-son, elder brother-younger brother, husband-wife, elder-younger and ruler-subject. Confucius believed that no matter how big the family or society that if everyone were to follow and obey their roles that everyone in that particular family and/or society would be harmonious. Father-Son In Confucianism, the first and most important relationship is the father-son relationship. In the family unit the father is the key figure and it is his responsibility to be a good example to his sons. It is also the duty of the son to be respectful and obedient and is responsible for the care of his dad in his old age. The father-son relationship can be extended to include parent/child relationships as well as employer-employee relationships. There is a term that is used in Confucianism called Filial Piety. Filial Piety is one virtue that is held above all else and that is a respect for the parents and ancestors. Filial Piety means to be good to one's parents and to take care of one's parents. It also states that one should...
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...culture heavily emphasis upon power distance in a form of age-grade social hierarchy, the variance in its operation however made these cultures unique. The value and beliefs of Confucianism has embedded upon every aspect of Chinese life, putting emphasis upon power and relationship (Irwin 2012) and creating a sense of family-centred communitarianism (W Li [Western Kentucky University] 2005, CHIN318 Lecture notes, 8 October). Indigenous aboriginals although maintained their traditional culture emphasis of power distance system through Kinship, but with various elements reduced due to western economic development, allowing more freedom of action ( Bruner 1956). Chinese Power Distance Index under the scope of Hofstede’s cultural variable scored 80 comparing to the world average of 56.5 (The Hofstede Centre) indicating that power are centralised amongst the highest members of the social organisation and a common acceptance of unequal distribution of power. In a stance for family relationship such a high level of power inequalities along with the mentality of Confucianism made the age grade hierarchy a common family structure regardless of the family size. (W Li [Western Kentucky University] 2005, CHIN318 Lecture notes, 8 October). The sense of respect for the elders required for ‘filial piety’ in Confucianism (Li 2011) and various moral boundaries regulating socially acceptable practices and...
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...Confucianism REL/133 February 6, 2012 Mr. Michael Hilley Confucianism Confucianism is a philosophy developed in China and is often seen as a religion. It helps individuals learn and understand themselves and become one with society. Confucius’s primary goals are order, harmony, peace, and happiness. Confucius attempts to develop the perfect person through concepts such as ren, li, shu, xiao, and wen. A person must work towards these items to achieve Chun-Tzu, which is an exemplification of ideal virtue. Ren is virtue and humanity. When developing ren, one must develop a cultivation of feeling emphasizing respect, empathy, compassion, and love for all humanity and all people. This is extremely important because it places care in one’s heart and helps them overcome the negative exterior. Ren is an excellent quality to have and in Confucianism, it helps lead to the ideal human being. Li is propriety and proper conduct. This is doing what is right. This is treating people with courtesy and respect. Without Li, one cannot be the ideal person because they will lose their ability to respond to other human beings. In Confucianism it is essential to do what is right and exhibit proper conduct in order to become the ideal person. Shu is known as the Golden Rule and it emphasizes reciprocal actions and effects. Shu is one of the most important teachings of Confucianism. This is basically treating people the way you would like to be treated. Shu emphasizes an attitude towards...
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...How has Confucianism influenced modern economic development in East Asia? The rise of Asia’s so called “Tiger” economies followed by China, has given rise to the spectrum of a distinctly East Asian economic development model. The pioneering economic success of in particular, Singapore, South Korea and Japan since the 1970’s has highlighted the need to evaluate and distinguish how such economies achieved such successive growth. A variety of possible factors can explain or highlight possibilities for the successive development of East Asia. A particularly unique factor that has to be taken into account is Confucianism. The interplay between culture and development can help explain how in particular Japan and South Korea, which were relatively closed societies, have risen to attain the status of newly industrialized countries. This essay will investigate and evaluate, through the presentation of arguments and examples, the extent to which Confucianism has influenced modern economic development in East Asia. This will be achieved by firstly providing a working definition of Confucianism; then locating its positive impact within a broader debate concerning a distinctly Asian development model; investigating and analyzing the challenges presented by Confucianism in the economic development of East Asia; evaluating both the negative and positive implications of Confucianism in East Asian economies and finally assessing to what extent Confucianism has played a role in the development...
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...Throughout history, there have been many forms of government. Ancient Asia had many too, but the Han dynasty started something different from all of the rest that would continue on for over a thousand years. The Qin dynasty, before the Han began, had caused terrible education, high taxes, and harsh laws that made it hard to live in China. The Han dynasty wanted to change that, for no one could live under such circumstances. They combined Legalism, a philosophy that order came before everything else, and Confucianism, which changed major aspects of how government should be. Gao Zu, the first emperor of the Han dynasty, created a new sect of advisors who were Confucian scholars. He created this new form because “he believed the government...
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...| Confucianism and Taoism | | Chinese Politics [Date] | Confucianism and Taoism are some of the major religions in China. They have greatly influenced the culture of the Chinese people as well as their world view. The connection between the two religions has influenced many people over time. It can also be said that when the principles of both philosophies are put together, the outcome is a well-rounded person. The following is a discussion of the principles and philosophies behind these two religions as well as how the two religions interact and connect to influence an individual. Confucianism is a religion that bases its philosophy and principles on the teachings of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher who lived between 551 and 478 BC. The Philosophy behind Confucianism is humanism. Confucian devotees have a positive view of human beings and human nature. The world in the Confucian religion is seen through the ideal of humanism. This means that devotees of Confucianism hold it true that human beings are improvable, teachable and perfectible. Human beings can become perfect through individual and shared effort for example self-creation and cultivation. The general philosophy of Confucianism emphasizes individual and governmental morality, rightness of social relationships, sincerity and justice of the whole community.All devotees of Confucianism should practice ethics that are exemplified by the propagation of virtues or principles. There are many virtues that adherents...
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...Compare China and Japan in Accounting Standard and Recent Events, Which country is drifting further from Confucianism Introduction Chinese and Japanese accounting system has been influenced by Confucianism long time ago, but Bloom and Solotko(2003) proposed that because of the role of the government in the accounting system, both countries China and Japan has went far away from the Confucianism. In this report, the researchers will compare the accounting regulation and corporate governance in both countries, and get the conclusion which country is drifting further from the Confucian origins. This report has been divided into four parts. The first part will talk about the definition of the Confucianism and the implication of the Confucianism to both countries China and Japan. The second part is going to discuss the relationship between China accounting system and Confucianism; the third part will focus on the relationship between Japan accounting system and Confucianism. The last pat will compare the two accounting systems, and meanwhile get the conclusion which country has went further from the Confucianism. Definition of Confucianism Confucianism was founded by Confucius who is the Chinese philosopher and the first raised the Master of Ceremonies. The master of ceremonies gradually developed into the ideological system, which the core is the benevolence, and it’s in the hierarchical structure of society over 2000 years (XingZhong 2000). It exerts a far-reaching...
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...The differences in conceptions of the Ultimate come across perhaps most clearly in considering conceptions of conversion. While other religions conceive of a (relatively) personal Ultimate (Jesus, Allah, or even Brahman), who while transcendent nonetheless offer moments of immanence, Chinese religion locates whatever ultimate there may be in the process of transcendent transformation, where the issue is not so much one of transcendence/immanence but of transforming the self into non-self beyond this reality. This form of contemplating the ultimate is so foreign to the West that we ask “What is Truth?” while the Chinese ask “What is the Way?” . But even when asking the wrong questions and/or coming to the table unsure of how to interpret the abstract paradoxes of Chinese thought, both Westerners and the Chinese appeal to the sacred texts of the tradition, demonstrating that centering authority of the Chinese textual tradition. Confucius claimed that he was not original and neither were his teachings, but believed himself to be a "creative transmitter of wisdom from the past". He created a moral code on based on ethics, humanity and love. Confucius philosophies emphasize the ideals of order and harmony. With the idea that people should live in harmony both with each other and with nature. To achieve this, Confucius created a system of human relationships and good government. Government to Confucius was the highest profession. He believed that if one had a good government...
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...legalist Qin Dynasty, the Han Dynasty seized power over rebellious states mandating the teaching of Confucius, for the overall benefit of the people. Additionally, the implementation of confucianism cause a four hundred year period of peace, including the longest reigning single emperor, however, this philosophy also led to the degradation of women's place in society and the expungement of freedoms allocated to children. After overthrowing the warmongering Qin, Emperor Han Wudi declared china a confucian state, implementing the principles of the practice into the lives of all the dynasty’s citizens, including, most notably, the mass education of young children in the confucian ways.(Bentley) It was Confucius's principal, along with that of Han Wudi and the disciples of confucius, that if a citizen is properly educated they will not need law to correct their behaviors because they will guide themselves on a morally upright path path....
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...is the study of Near and Far Eastern societies and cultures, languages and peoples by Western scholars. It can also refer to the imitation or depiction of aspects of Eastern cultures in the West by writers, designers and artists. The hubs of strong traditions that are easily visible lie in East Asia. The following countries are commonly seen as located in geographically East Asia: People's Republic of China (China), Hong Kong and Macau (a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China), Republic of China (Taiwan), Japan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), Republic of Korea (South Korea), and Mongolia (Wikipedia 2007). Oriental Ideologies These are the main ideologies connected with Asia: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism/Daoism. Others comprise of Shinto and Zen (Eastern Buddhism). Over 93% of Taiwanese are...
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...His influence cannot be overstated. An itinerant teacher of the sixth and fifth centuries B.C.E. , Confucius rarely wrote down his thoughts. Unfortunately his teachings cannot be traced but it written in the Analects . It is considered the only reliable source. although the authorship of the Analects is usually attributed to Confucius , some believed they were written after his death by his student’s centuries later. The main purpose of the teachings was to bring order and stability to what Confucius correctly saw as chaotic society . In order to create a harmonious community, Confucius taught that all Chinese must act properly , obey their superiors , know their rightful place in society and, above all else, practice filial piety ( unquestioning obedience to the family elders). A man who lives according to Confucian standards is a chun-tzu or gentleman. Desirable attitudes such as good manners , education, moral righteousness , Confucius believed , could be found in any members of any class, and were not conferred by birth. Confucius had believed by which any low-born young man could obtain high office with ability and hard work. He also formulated important principles to be followed for every government official. The jen or benevolence and compassion, li or ritual and propriety, yi of righteousness and right conduct, and xiao or respect for...
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...In the midst of the chaos caused by political instability and the period of the Seven Warring States that marked the decline of the Zhou Dynasty, emanated an assortment of philosophical intellectuals who would present solutions to the numerous political, religious, and philosophical issues that the government was facing. Respected philosophers such as Confucius, Laozi, and Han Feizi each proposed their own ideas for an idealistic political system and lifestyle (Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism, respectfully), and the influence that these three main philosophies left on society still occur today in the modern world. Consequentially, Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism were vastly diverse in terms of regulating government affairs and the perception...
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...Confucius was a strong advocate for rites- he believed that they served to create a civilized society and a form of structure that was difficult to attain simply through laws. The concept of li, one that encompasses ideas of ritual propriety, filial piety and proper social conduct serve to reinforce the importance of this belief. To be Confucian indubitably entails participating in ancestor worship, a ritualized commemoration and sacrifice to one’s deceased relatives. Through purification, food offerings, divinations and prayers, it was believed that the living would benefit from the blessings of their ancestors. This essay will examine elements of the seasonal sacrifice performed in class with respect to Confucian ideals- it is of the view...
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...this paper, I will be discussing two opposing ideologies, Confucianism and Legalism. Towards the later part of ancient China (e.g Han dynasty), states started to adopt a mixture of Confucianism and Legalistic ideology. Why did Legalism and Confucianism fall off? In this paper I will explore and provide my own insights on the shortcomings of both ideologies; how Legalism was more persuasive in getting people to accept their ideas and more effective as an ideology and how Confucianism lost out in both aspects. Persuasiveness of Legalism The central idea of legalism was to provide absolute power to the person in charge and the supremacy of authority. Legalists like Han Fei Zi believed that human nature was “evil” and strict rules should be in place to ensure order, similar to a shepherd and sheeps3. With this theory in mind, the idea of absolute power was very attractive to rulers of states. Rulers will exercise the “two handles” of reward and punishment accordingly to keep their subjects obedient and loyal. This ideology is even more appealing towards newly founded states that lack in the department of control over its subjects. If states can adopt the legalistic way of ruling, rulers can exercise their control over the whole state to maintain order. Therefore it is more likely for rulers to be persuaded into adopting legalism as their state ideology since it aligns with their objectives. When compared to Confucianism where rulers are encouraged to trust officials in states...
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...LE BRAS BIANCHI Oceane CHINESE CULTURE China is a very interesting country with a lot of values, way of life, cultural traditions and customs differed from western countries. In first we will see the filial piety, which is a very important value for Chinese people, the origins and how it is nowadays and in second time, we will see the taboos in China in different categories. To beginning, it is important to know what is the filial piety to talk about that, filial piety means to be good to one's parents; to take care of them, to engage in good conduct not just towards them but also outside the home so as to bring a good name them and ancestors; to perform the duties of one's job well so as to obtain the material means to support them as well as carry out sacrifices to the ancestors. You have to do not be rebellious; show love, respect and support; display courtesy; ensure male heirs, uphold fraternity among brothers; wisely advise them, including dissuading them from moral unrighteousness; display sorrow for their sickness and death; and carry out sacrifices after their death. It supposed to be the normal behavior for all people around the world, but in China, the origin is very deep and ancient. It is a a concept originating with Confucianism that outlines the way in which family members should interact with each other. It is based on a hierarchical relationship, in which parents and older family rank more highly than children and younger family members, and men rank...
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