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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