Confucianism

As much as it is adopted as a religion, Confucianism, founded by K'ung-tze in the 6th century B.C., is more broadly considered "a philosophy of a way of life" (Chung 1). Confucianism was significant in molding the Chinese Zhou Dynasty. Central to the religious philosophy of the Zhou Dynasty and Confucianism is the duty of all citizens to demonstrate virtues that help maintain harmony, order, and stability. The philosophy of Confucius was instrumental in shaping the spiritual and moral values of the era. Confucius lived such a dutiful life, believing in self-realization as the ultimate goal of life: "To make oneself as good as possible, this was with him the main business of life" (Aiken 4).

Confucius believed, as did Socrates, that vices were the result of a lack of knowledge. By increasing one's knowledge, one could develop the virtues required to promote harmony, order, and stability individually and communally. Thus, the pursuit of education remains a foundation of the Confucian way of life. This analysis will explore different considerations embodied by the Confucian philosophy, including the nature of life, ethics, education, politics, beauty and others. A brief conclusion will address the significance of Confucian philosophy in contemporary existence.

The nature of reality in the Confucian system involves a holistic approach to the energy forces of the universe. Everything is connected within these energy forces, including go

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d ruled; parent and child; older to younger, etc.) is outside anything relating to a "God." Relationships are formed among the living. As one Chinese scholar of Confucius argues, "The topics the Master did not speak of were prodigies, force, disorder, and gods" (Ross 3). Even so, Confucius would often admonish followers to beware of individuals whose gods were in the skies. The highest goal in Confucianism is to lead a virtuous life while living, irrespective of a supreme deity. When a student once asked Confucius how to honor the dead and gods, Confucius replied, "You are not able to serve man. How can you serve spirits" (Ross 4). While Confucians believe in a heaven known as "T'ien," it is a silent heaven (Chung 1). The development of virtue and ethics in Confucianism involves self-determinism. Confucius viewed mankind as being inherently good and always striving toward the good or virtuous. This striving is the highest beauty in Confucianism, represented by the concept of Ren. Ren roughly equates to "benevolence, charity, humanity, love, and kindness" (Ross 1). Encompassed within the goal of self-realization is the concept often referred to as the Golden Rule, to treat others as one would wish to be treated. As su

Category: Philosophy - C