7. Confucianism – “School of the Scholars”
« Global Awareness: Online Learning Companion | Posted on 02/13/2010 04:20 pm by Rev. Dr. James Kenneth Powell II
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The Chinese Family: Confucianism
Edited by Dr. James K. Powell II
Confucianism in the Marketplace:
Readings:
The Core Text: the First Chapter of the Analects OnBeing a Man (sic) of Virtue (Jen pron. Ren)
PowellPoint:
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)
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?
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: