Confucianism
儒家 (Rújiā)
Founded by Confucius (551-479 BCE)
Overview & Cultural Impact
Foundation of East Asian cultures (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam), emphasis on education, family values, social harmony, and respect for authority became defining characteristics
Shaped Chinese imperial system for over 2,000 years, became state orthodoxy during Han Dynasty, created examination system for government service based on merit rather than birth
Founder
Founded ethical system based on social harmony through proper relationships and moral cultivation
Key Teachings:
- Education should be available to all people regardless of class
- Government leaders must be virtuous and lead by moral example
- Social harmony comes from everyone fulfilling their proper roles
- Ritual propriety creates civilized society
Key Figures
Developed theory that human nature is inherently good
Key Teachings:
- People are born with innate moral sense
- Rulers must care for people's welfare
Argued human nature requires moral education and social cultivation
Key Teachings:
- Human nature needs cultivation through education
- Rituals transform selfish impulses
Integrated Confucian ethics with metaphysical philosophy
Core Teachings
Treating parents, rulers, and community with kindness and respect
Foundation for ethical leadership, family values, and social responsibility
Following traditional customs, showing respect through behavior
Professional ethics, cultural traditions, diplomatic protocols
Honoring parents, maintaining family harmony, continuing family lineage
Elder care, family responsibility, intergenerational respect
Rulers must truly rule, ministers truly serve, fathers truly parent
Accountability, authentic leadership, clear communication
Key Concepts
fundamental
Morally cultivated person who leads by virtue rather than force
Application: Continuous self-improvement and ethical development
Virtue and moral influence that naturally attracts followers
Application: Leading through moral example rather than coercion
ethical
Faithfulness and dedication to one's responsibilities
Application: Commitment to family, community, and nation
Treating others as you would want to be treated
Application: Golden Rule principle in relationships and governance
social
Five fundamental virtues: ren, yi, li, zhi, xin
Application: Framework for ethical living and social harmony
Proper relationships between ruler-subject, parent-child, husband-wife, elder-younger, friend-friend
Application: Social stability through everyone fulfilling their roles
Classical Texts
Primary source of Confucian teachings, most influential Chinese text
Key Ideas:- • Moral cultivation
- • Educational principles
- • Government by virtue
- • Social harmony
Develops idealistic Confucianism emphasizing innate human goodness
Key Ideas:- • Human nature is good
- • People-centered government
- • Moral sense theory
Teaches balance and moderation as path to harmony
Key Ideas:- • Middle way
- • Sincerity
- • Self-cultivation
- • Universal harmony
Outlines program of moral and political cultivation
Key Ideas:- • Self-cultivation leads to social order
- • Eight-step cultivation process
- • Personal and political ethics
Wisdom & Quotes
"Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself."
己所不欲，勿施于人
Golden Rule principle fundamental to ethical relationships
"Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?"
有朋自远方来，不亦乐乎？
Opening line emphasizing the joy of learning and friendship
"The gentleman understands what is moral. The small man understands what is profitable."
君子喻于义，小人喻于利
Distinguishing between noble and base motivations
Modern Applications
Student-teacher relationships, moral education alongside academic learning, examination-based meritocracy
Ethical leadership, long-term relationships over short-term profit, corporate social responsibility
Virtue-based governance, public service ideals, consensus-building and social harmony
Family respect, continuous self-improvement, balancing individual and community needs
International diplomacy, cross-cultural understanding, sustainable development through ethical frameworks
Modern Influence
Influences contemporary East Asian societies through emphasis on education, family responsibility, social order, and ethical leadership in business and government
Growing international interest in Confucian values for business ethics, educational philosophy, and social governance