Confucianism Flashcards
(24 cards)
Who was Confucius and what was his historical context?
Confucius (c. 551–479 BC) lived during the Spring and Autumn period, a time of political fragmentation. He tried to promote a moral-political vision but failed, becoming a teacher. His teachings are in the Analects, compiled posthumously by students.
What is ren (仁) in Confucian thought?
Ren means humaneness or benevolence — the core virtue in Confucian ethics. It reflects kindness, empathy, and moral excellence, developed through good conduct in relationships and social life.
Example:
A son caring for his aging parents with respect and compassion is showing ren. It’s not just duty — it’s heartfelt, sincere concern for others’ well-being.
How does one cultivate ren (仁)?
By learning from others, self-reflection, reading classical texts, and practicing li (ritual propriety), starting from familial roles and expanding outward.
What is li (礼) and what are its meanings?
Li means ritual, etiquette, or proper conduct. It includes everything from daily manners to formal ceremonies. It teaches people how to act respectfully in society based on their roles, helping create harmony and moral order.
What is zhengming (正名) and why is it important?
Zhengming means ‘rectification of names’. Roles like ‘ruler’ or ‘father’ entail moral responsibilities. Social harmony arises when people fulfill these roles properly.
What is he (和), and how is harmony achieved?
He means harmony. It’s achieved not through uniformity, but through each person fulfilling their roles properly, guided by ren and li.
How does Confucian politics differ from rule-by-law?
Confucius advocated rule by moral example and ritual rather than punishment, fostering a sense of shame and self-regulation.
How does Confucianism contrast with Western moral philosophy?
Western ethics emphasizes abstract rules and decisions; Confucianism focuses on self-cultivation and relational context.
What is Mencius’ core claim about human nature?
Human nature is good (xing shan). Everyone has innate moral potential, like seeds that can grow into virtue.
What are the ‘four sprouts’ in Mencius’ theory?
Mencius said people are born with four moral “sprouts” that develop into key virtues:
Compassion → Ren (仁): humaneness
Sense of shame → Yi (义): righteousness
Respect → Li (礼): proper conduct
Right vs. wrong → Zhi (智): wisdom
These sprouts are like moral seeds — they must be cultivated through practice and education.
Why do people behave badly, according to Mencius?
Like water flowing downward, human nature tends toward good but can be blocked by poor environments.
How does Mencius use the water analogy?
He compares human nature to water, which naturally flows downward unless obstructed—suggesting goodness is natural but fragile.
What is the function of ritual (li) for Mencius?
Ritual nurtures our innate moral tendencies, shaping them into full virtues.
What political ideas does Mencius support?
Rulers must be virtuous, care for the people, provide education, avoid overtaxing, and lead by example.
What is Xunzi’s core claim about human nature?
Human nature is bad (xing e). People are born selfish and prone to chaos.
How can people become good, according to Xunzi?
Through wei (artificiality): conscious effort, education, and rituals imposed by society.
What does wei (偽) mean in Xunzi’s philosophy?
Wei means artificial constructs (rituals, customs) created to control base desires.
What is the role of ritual (li) for Xunzi?
Rituals suppress chaotic impulses and mold behavior through external control.
How did Xunzi explain the origin of rituals if human nature is bad?
Sage-kings, though born bad, used reason and effort to create moral systems for society.
What is Xunzi’s view on politics?
Rulers should maintain order via education, tax moderation, and clear social hierarchies.
Compare Mencius and Xunzi on human nature.
Mencius: Human nature is good and needs nurturing. Xunzi: Human nature is bad and needs restraint.
Compare their views on ritual (li).
Mencius: Ritual nurtures goodness. Xunzi: Ritual restrains bad impulses.
What do both thinkers agree on?
Both value ritual, education, and moral self-cultivation, but disagree on the nature of the self.
Why is this debate still relevant today?
It informs modern governance: do we trust people (Mencius) or constrain them (Xunzi)? Democracy often reflects Xunzi’s view.
