Explain Confucian Philosophy

PHL 255 – Non-Western Philosophy
Essay #6

Due Date: April 15th

Format: 3 pages, 12 pt. Times New Roman, 1” margins, double-spaced,
stapled, Works Cited pg, in-text citations (author p#)

Essay #6 – Explain Confucian philosophy using your own words and examples. Explain the ideas of filial piety, jen (ren), li, xiao, shu, junzi and the wu lun. GIVE EXAMPLES of how each of these might be demonstrated.

• How are these ideas supported in The Analects? Discuss quotes from Confucius to illustrate your claims.
◦ http://www.wright-house.com/religions/confucius/Analects.html

Other points to consider:
• How does the philosophy of Master Kung lead him to his conception of the chun tzu (junzi)? Explain. Who do you think of as an honorable chun tzu? Why?

• In a manner similar to the agnosticism of the Buddha, Confucius remains unconcerned with metaphysical/spiritual concerns. Is this point of view useful, or is it defective in some way?

• Why does Confucius’ teaching emphasize ritual and filial piety so much?

• State the ways in which adhering to such a philosophy might or might not allow an individual to live a good life.

• Why do the Taoists, Mohists, and Legalists disagree with Confucianism?

• Where do we see Confucian ideas/values reflected in modern Chinese culture?How might you see li or “ritual propriety” practiced today in the United States? In your family? The workplace? School? The government?

• How could Confucian philosophy be applied to the presentation of one’s “Self” on the internet, for instance Facebook profiles and status updates?

• When have you seen a person being improper/disrespectful in a way that Confucius would condemn? Explain.

• How is this philosophy similar or dissimilar to other schools of thought?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Confucian philosophy?

• Remember to first consider what the main idea of your essay will be and then