PHIL-1314 Confucianism Flashcards
Why is Confucianism grouped together with major world religions?
Because it is:
- A spiritual philosophy
- A social ethic
- A political ideology
- A scholarly tradition
Why is Confucianism not officially considered a world religion?
It lacks sacraments and liturgy.
A Sacrament is a sacred rite recognized as of particular importance and significance.
Liturgy is the customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to its particular traditions.
How long has Confucianism been followed by the Chinese people?
Over two-millenia
Who was Confucious?
Confucius (Latin version of Kung Fu-Tzu or Kung the Master) is referred to, by the Chinese, as the First Teacher
What was Confucius’ reputation like?
He was a man of integrity and practical wisdom
Why did Confucius fail as a politician?
Contemporary rulers were afraid of him
Where did Confucius’ success lay?
As a teacher
In the manner of Socrates, he (Confucius) was considered…
A one-man university
His (Confucius) method of teaching was…
Socratic
The big problems Confucius faced were…
Social anarchy and political violence
Confucius’ way of social order…
- The Realist (Hit them) (Han Fei-Tzu)
- The Mohistic (Universal love) (Mo Tzu or Mo Ti)
Confucius was a lover of…
Tradition
A golden age in China’s past…
Age of Grand Harmony
Two kinds of Tradition…
- Spontaneous
- Deliberate
Deliberate tradition, unlike spontaneous tradition, requires…
Attention
The ideal relationship that should exist between people…
Jen
“What can I do to accommodate others?”
Chun Tzu
Propriety and Semantics
Li
Devoted to the common good
Te
Arts of peace contrasted to war
Wen
Confucius was impressed by the power of…
Art
Confucian Literature consisted of…
- The Five Classics
- The Four Books
The Five Classics consisted of…
I Ching (Changes) Shu Ching (History) Shuh Ching (Poetry) LiChu (Rituals) Ch'un-ch'iu (Spring and Autumns Annals)
When students were studying for the civil service examinations between 1313 and 1905…
They studied the Four Books first, which served as an introduction to the Five Classics.
