Confucius
(551 – 479 BCE)
The most famous philosopher, teacher and political thinker of China, whose ideas had a profound influence on the civilization of China and East Asian countries. Confucius is credited with having authored many of classic Chinese texts (including the Five Classics, among which are the Book of Rites and the famous divination text, the I Ching), although his authorship is not universally agreed on among scholars. Aphorisms concerning his teachings and selected speeches were posthumously compiled in the Analects (c. 500 BCE)
His philosophical teachings, called Confucianism, emphasize personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, kindness, and sincerity. Confucius was above all a proponent of an orderly and polite society, one which consists of true gentlemen and women, and in which there is no hatred and conflict. He thought that every person should cultivate the characteristics of a junzi (a gentleperson) – a compassionate, humane and benevolent person – both in their inner as well as external character.
Confucius believed that society functions best when all members know, and perform their appropriate role.
— An often cited example is the analogy of the orchestra – where only when all instruments play in tune, the right music is created.
— He used the example of a family as a model for the functioning of a society. Just as in the family, authority is exercised with love and responsibility, so it should be exercised within the state.
— For example, a father is honored and respected when he he demonstrates benevolence to his children, protects and loves his wife, and takes responsibility for the family’s welfare. Similarly, the king is a good ruler when he protects his subjects and takes responsibility for the nation’s welfare.
The ethical view of Confucianism is considered one of the greatest examples of virtue ethics – an approach to morality that emphasizes moral virtues, rather than following rules of behaviour. There are five main virtues that are promoted within Confucianism:
- Ren (benevolence, humaness)
- Yi (righteousness, justice)
- Li (propriety, rites – ie. customs and religious rites)
- Zhi (wisdom, knowledge)
- Xin (sincerity, faithfulness)
All of the above virtues arise out of the virtues one cultivates within himself: sincerity and knowledge. Confucius believed that virtuous acts towards others and towards the world begin with the individual – with virtuous and sincere thought, which begins with knowledge.
One of the ethical teachings of Confucianism is a variant of the Golden rule: “Never impose onto others what you would not choose for yourself”.