1. Confucius The Analects

2. Confucius Lived 551-479 BC Very little known about the real man
Teacher
Philosopher
Zhou Dynasty
Unstable
Teachings more concerned with:
Human Relationships
Creating an organized, stable society
Proper behavior
Good behavior important not to attain heaven, but to have an orderly society where people respect each other

3. The Analects
Based on the teaching of Confucius, but written down centuries later
Sayings, conversations, teachings
Does not offer the “right” answer, but encourages reflection, contemplation, and personal growth
While touches upon spiritual themes, is not overly concerned with the afterlife
Morality based on correct behavior of the specific individual at a particular time
Emphasizes social order and proper behavior

4. The Analects Emphasizes: “The Way” Organized Life (Li)
Personal Cultivation over Rules of Behavior
Skilled judgment
Organized Life (Li)
Doing the right things at the right time
Righteousness (Yi)
Do what is ethical based on the circumstances
Benevolence (Ren)
Fulfilling your responsibilities to others
Gentleman (Junzi)
Social Nobility
State of moral excellence that is attainable

5. The Analects Key focus = Social Order
Built on mutual respect and obligation
Rooted in the family
Extended to community and government
Organized through:
A specific set of appropriate rules
A hierarchical relationship among the roles
A governing code of conduct
Ethical behavior manifested through respect for others and ritual decorum
This behavior can be learned, cultivated, and perfected

6. Confucianism Hierarchy Emperor Citizens Teacher Student Man Woman
Elderly
Youth
Husband
Wife
Son
Daughter
1st born
2nd born
Second Son
First Daughter

7. Social Hierarchy 1. Royalty & Scholar Officials 2. Artisans
3. Peasant Farmers
4. Merchants

8. Imperial Examinations
Civil Service Exam
“Scholar Official”
Status!
Anyone could take the exam
Rich could afford to study

9. Influences and Abuses
Very influential in Chinese and Asian philosophy and government
Teachings turned into strict “rules”
In the 20th Century, Communists attacked Confucianism as the reason China had refused to modernize

10. Status of Women in China
Foot Binding

11. Legacy Confucius is still influential today
Centuries of philosophical thought are intertwined with Chinese and Asian culture and society
Ideas of hierarchy, right behavior, benevolence, and righteousness are still important today

12. Key Themes Good Government Proper Behavior Social Roles Relationships
Learning
Nature
“The Way”