Confucianism Flashcards
Approximately when was Confucianism founded?
5th century BCE
What point did we make in class about Confucius’ upbringing, as it relates to his father’s status and how financially secure Confucius was as a child?
Noble but poor
What was different about Confucius from his siblings?
Born to his father’s concubine
How old was Confucius when his father died?
Three years old
What is the “Rectification of Names” in Confucianism?
Emphasizes the importance of using language accurately and ethically to maintain social order and harmony
How old was Confucius when he decided he wanted to be a scholar?
15
How old was Confucius when he started teaching?
20
Based on his successes as a teacher, would it be fair to say that Confucius was “charismatic?”
Yes
Historians claim that Confucius was likely the first professional/paid what?
Teacher
Based on how loved and respected he was, after Confucius’ death, one of his disciples did what for approximately three years?
Secluded himself and mourned for three years
What are some things Confucius believed education was not for? What, therefore, is education for?
To better yourself as a human being
Why did Confucius die feeling like he was a failure?
He didn’t think his teachings would stick
Why did Confucius grow up in exile?
Lived in poverty, his father was dead
What is “Linguistic Etiquette” in Confucianism?
Proper conduct and ethical behavior in human relationships
What are the 6 arts or disciplines of Confucianism?
- Changes- developing spirituality
- Poetry- studying literature
- History- learning from the past
- Rituals- paying back your ancestors
- Music- teaches dexterity, mental enhancement, mathematics, spirituality, emotion
- Spring and Autumn Annals- civics or government
What is a “Confucian Gentleman”?
Ideal example of a moral Confucian
According to our classroom discussion, Confucius’ primary motivation for teaching his philosophy was to create what out of his disciples? What did he want them to do professionally?
Leaders in the government
According to our classroom discussion, what were some of the concerns Confucius had about the government of his day?
Ethical leadership
How important did confucius believe class or caste was in determining who should serve in government?
Not important
Did Confucius believe in God?
God wasn’t a huge focus
According to Confucian thinking, Governments should rule through teaching what?
Morality
What did Confucius teach his followers about the afterlife?
Not that focused, most are concerned with the here and now
According to tradition, more than 1/2 of Confucius’ disciples ended up holding positions in what profession?
Government
What is the meaning of the phrase, “You’re a Confucian at work, Taoist on Weekends, and Buddhist at death”?
Most Asians are part of multiple religions
What are the 5 cardinal virtues of Confucianism?
- Jen (ren/run)- proper relationships
- Yi- sense of duty or obligation
- Li- proper social conduct
- Chih- wisdom and application thereof
- Hsin- loyalty to your words
What was central to all that Confucius taught? What was he fixated on?
Peace and harmony, better yourself
What are the “five social relationships” or Confucianism?
Father to son, elder brother to younger brother, husband to wife, ruler to subject, friend to friend
Why is sarcasm uncommon among Confucianists?
Communication and words are really important
How does one bring about world peace?
By bettering one’s self
How many “official” books do Confucianists have, and what is their primary focus?
5 classics, 4 books
The Chinese glyph often used to symbolize Confucianism is the glyph for what?
Chinese glyph shui- represents water
Confucius felt that government leaders should be icons of what?
Virtue and moral excellence
What are two components of Chen Ming that we discussed in class?
Rectification of names, behave and speak as the title you hold, notion of linguistic etiquette, designed to propagate kindness and peace
Based on our classroom discussion, whats the primary difference between Ancient and Neo Confucianism?
Ancient– individual, focused on becoming a better human being
Neo– believe in god, more a spiritual pursuit
In what three countries is Confucianism more prevalent?
China, South Korea, Vietnam
