The Chinese Family: Confucianism
Edited by Dr.
James K. Powell II
Readings
Textbook:
The
Core Text: the First Chapter of the Analects On Being a Man (sic) of Virtue (Jen pron. Ren)
Read with these concerns in mind:
1. What is the
overall social and philosophical backdrop for Confucianism?
2. Who was the
historical Master Kung, or "Confucius"?
3. What is the
meaning of "jen" (pronounced "ren"? Is it religious in any way? How
does it connect the individual with society?
4. Society:
How does the Confucian thinker view society through the five relationships?
5. What is the role of
the Emperor?
6. What is the
meaning of shu and yang?
Please view the following debate between Master Kung
(Confucius) and Master Lao (The Old Master). With whose tao or “way” do you agree most?
How does Buddhism fit into this picture?
Discuss in class in debate format.
Introductory Readings:
Short definitional readings (optional – wiki)
Mohism and Mo-ti and the Chinese Philosophy of Love
China and Colonialism: the Boxer Rebellion
The
Modern Period and the Perspective of Maoism
The Insider’s view:
PowerPoint:
Confucianism and Chinese Civilization
Past student documentaries:
Confucius by Cale Klein
The Confucian Ethic Compared with Western Perspectives of Kant and Mill by Sisco (2004)
Comparing Chinese and Western Medicine by Lamptey (2006)
Comparing Kung-fuzi (Confucius) and Laozi by Anonymous (2005)
Comparing Confucian and Mosaic Law by Anonymous (2006)