China – Classic Philosophy

Confucius – Still Relevant?

1960s – China Cultural Revolution

Confucius’ Tomb Destroyed

2008 Beijing Olympics Torch Run at Confucius’ Birthplace

Opening Ceremony – “Harmony”

Shang & Chou Dynasties

Yellow River basin – earliest cultures Shang dynasty (1,520 -1,000 BCE) Zhou dynasty (1,000 – 221 BCE) - Warring States period ( 475 – 221 BCE) aka Period of One Hundred Schools Stimulus to lively debate Biggest problems were social & ethical

What does it take for people to get along with each other? How best achieve “social harmony?”

Spiritual - Buddhism from India - *Daoism (Taoism) Ethical - *Confucianism Practical - Legalists (used by Qin starting in 221 BCE)

Daoism - developed by Lao Zi - Tao = The Way - emphasis is spiritual, passivity & resignation - central image of Taoist art: flowing water - Follow one’s own nature, whether good or bad Legalism - practical - strong, central state with law & order

Confucianism Not religion per se, but secular morality Based on morality & ethics Drew from common Chinese tradition - strong family loyalty, filial piety - ancestor veneration - respect of elders by children and husbands by wives - family is basis of ideal government

Confucius venerated history Saw the present as a continuation of history Veneration of ancestors Theory of “the mandate of heaven” from Zhou dynasty until 1911 end of imperial system Rulers need to demonstrate virtues

No systemic theory Wanted disciples to master & internalize older classics Superiority of personal exemplification over explicit rules of behavior, “virtue ethics” Best to have skilled judgment, not detailed knowledge of the rules

Encourage the virtuous & wise to enter government service through competitive exams Government civil service on classics & Confucius lasted until 1905

Five inherent, inner virtues - righteousness - inner integrity - love of humanity - altruism - loyalty Acquire two external virtues - Culture or education - Sense of decorum or ritual

Confucius teachings = Chinese example of humanism Philosophical position emphasizing the value and agency of human beings Affirms peoples’ ability to improve their lives through the use of reason and ingenuity, as opposed to submitting blindly to tradition or authority or reverting to cruelty & brutality

Confucius never addressed the central question “Is human nature basically evil or good?” Confucius: All are the same at birth, but their upbringing makes them good or bad. Confucius’ main disciples: people are born good Example: child about to fall into a well

How then explain violence & brutality in world? (St. Augustine addresses same issue.) Essential problem is failure to educate children EX: Seeds in the ground need water & care Ruler should rule by virtue, not laws & force