Confucianism Flashcards
When and where was the founder of Confucianism born?
Confucius/K’ung Fu’tzu. 551 BCE
Physically speaking, what do we know about Confucius’ appearance?
Very tall and unattractive
Though technically born into an aristocratic family, why did Confucius have a very difficult and impoverished upbringing?
He was born to a concubine, then his father died and the 2 previous wives of his father didn’t want him and his mother draining the resources.
By the age of 15, the young Confucius had determined what about his future?
He wanted to be a scholar/wanted to learn
According to our in-class discussion, part of the reason Confucius had such a large following was not just because of the brilliance of his philosophy, but also because he was said to be quite what?
Charismatic
Historians often believe that Confucius was the first professional (or paid) what?
Teacher
According to our in-class discussion, Confucius died feeling like a failure because of what?
He didn’t really feel like he had made a difference in the world
Sought a high position in the Chinese government but couldn’t land one
So popular was Confucius that, when he died, one of his disciples—out of his devotion to his teacher and master—did what (for approximately three years)?
Lived in a hut right next to his grave
What did Confucius say education was for and also not for?
To better society/world, not to get money or compete in the workforce
What are the “6 Arts” or “6 Disciplines” that Confucius felt everyone should be educated in?
- Li (禮) - Rites and Rituals: This involved proper etiquette, social decorum, and ceremony according to Confucian values.
- Yue (樂) - Music: Music was seen as important for cultivating harmony, self-discipline, and emotional well-being.
- Shu (書) - Calligraphy and Writing: Mastering calligraphy was not just about beautiful writing, but also about understanding and preserving Chinese classics.
- Shu (數) - Numbers and Mathematics: This included basic arithmetic, mathematics, and some knowledge of astronomy and astrology.
- She (射) - Archery: While archery had practical applications in warfare, for Confucius, it also symbolized focus, discipline, and self-control.
- Yu (御) - Charioteering: Similar to archery, chariot driving transcended its practical use and became a metaphor for self-mastery and leadership skills.
According to our in-class discussion, Confucius’ primary motivation—leading him to teach Confucianism—was his sense that government officials in his day were often what?
Too domineering, too militaristic, not moral
Tradition claims that more than half of Confucius’ students eventually became what (professionally)?
Government posts
How would Confucius feel about the caste system and how it relates to who should be allowed to serve in the government?
He didn’t like that, he thought that the only thing that should matter is who they are as an honorable person
Did Confucius believe in God and the afterlife?
He definitely did, and a lot of his followers do, but not necessary
According to our in-class discussion, why did Confucius not encourage his followers to believe in God?
He wanted his followers to worry about being a good person now, then it will work out when you die
What does the phrase “You’re Confucian at Work, Taoist on Weekends, and Buddhist at Death” mean?
It is a relatively popular phrase in China. These different religions all kinda mesh together, and influence one’s self at different times and stages of life.
According to your in-class discussion, what is the purpose of life in Confucian thought? And what was central to all that Confucius taught?
Propagate peace and harmony by bettering yourself.
Confucius believed that, if you improve yourself, you’ll improve what?
You improve the world and the people around you
Based on our in-class discussion, how many “Cardinal Virtues” does Confucianism have, and what are they?
- Ren - Proper Relationships,
- Yi - Sense of duty or obligation,
- Li - Proper social conduct,
- Chih - wisdom and application thereof,
- Hsin- loyalty to words
According to our in-class discussion, what are the “Five Social Relationships” in Confucianism?
- Father to Son
- Elder Brother to Younger Brother
- Husband to Wife
- Ruler to Subject
- Friend to Friend
While Confucianists don’t speak of “scripture,” they do have a handful of “official” books. According to our in-class discussion, how many “official” texts does Confucianism acknowledge? What are they?
9 authoritative books
5 classics, 4 books
For nearly 2,000 years (in China), you had to pass an exam covering the “Confucian Classics” if you wished to do what?
Have a career in the Chinese government
According to our in-class discussion, the Chinese glyph (or character) that is often used as a symbol for Confucianism is the character (or glyph) for what?
(Shui3) means water, is a Symbol of life
Rather than making tons of laws, Confucius felt that governments should rule through doing what?
Teaching morality and character
