Ancient China - Philosphy and Religion

Question 0

What were the three most prominent religions/philosophies in ancient China?

Answer 0

Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism.

Question 1

Who was the most famous philosopher in China?

Answer 1

Confucius.

Question 2

What are some of the core concepts of Confucianism?

Answer 2

1. Filial Piety: Respect for your superiors, whether they are living or dead. Involves the 5 cardinal relationships; father and son, ruler and subject, husband and wife, elder and younger brother and between friends.
2. Loyalty: Basically filial piety on a different social plane; respect and trust between ruler and subject.
3. Humaneness: Essentially the Golden Rule in Confucian terms: Do not do to others what you would not like done to you. Rén is an important part of this concept; explains the good feeling you get when you truly and meaningfully be selfless or altruistic. Confucius himself defines as “to love others”.