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Questions tagged [confucius]

Confucius (551–479 BC) was a Chinese philosopher and politician.

The following are some sources for more information about Confucius:

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Should this view of Zi Lu's be called "deontology" or "virtue ethics"?

Zi lu (Wade Giles: Tzu Lu) commented: ... Not to enter public life is to ignore one's duty. Even the proper regulation of old and young cannot be set aside. How, then, can the duty between ruler and subject be set aside? This is to cause …
Loki123
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Xunzi - If inborn human tendencies are evil, how are we supposed to rectify ourselves?

From what I read on Xunzi, humans need education and ethical norms in order to remove their natural evil. Since masters are humans giving education to their disciples there appears to be a logical error, because it would be impossible to have…
Cedric Martens
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Is Confucianism a humanism?

To what extent Confucianism is a humanism, in the Western meaning of the term? I propose to tackle this question by framing it this way: what are the similarities and differences between Confucianism and Western Humanism? By “Western Humanism” is…
Starckman
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Did Confucius say "Signs and symbols rule the world, not words nor laws"?

It is claimed here that Confucius said: Signs and symbols rule the world, not words nor laws. Is this true? If so, in what work did he say this?
Geremia
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How have scholars reconciled Analects 14.16-17 with 15.7?

In Annping Chin's translation of the Analects (Penguin Classics, 2014), Confucius praises Guan Zhong in 14.16-17 for the work he did under a conqueror of questionable morality. He defends Guam Zhong against his disciples, who say it would have been…
notanengineer
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What does "action without acting" (wuwei) in Chinese philosophy mean?

Source: p 67, Introducing Philosophy for Canadians: A Text with Integrated Readings (2011 1 ed) by Solomon, McDermid How can one act without acting? The question above is based on pp 65-67, which summarises Confucius and Dao De Jing by Lao-zi each…
user8572
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Why is Confucianism considered a brilliant philosophical school of thought?

It is undeniable that Confucianism had a profound influence on Chinese society, and I can understand that that could be the sole reason for the strong interest in Confucianism that we see today. However, this question is regarding the 'quality' of…
cc88
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When were the works of Confucius first translated to the West?

I want to know how much the Enlightenment philosophers knew of the works of Confucius. This page cites a translation from 1687 into Latin, while Wikipedia talks of 3 different translations before 1700, apparently all into Latin. I think it's safe to…
Rodrigo
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Philosophical Similarities For Chinese Confucianism and Daoism

I know there a lot more differences then similarities between Daoism and Confucianism. All I can find is that both have one goal and focus of self-improvement from being "individuals" by becoming a greater whole to contribute to society. Are there…
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Confucianism and other cultures/peoples

Are there considerations and reflections about other cultures and peoples (than Confucianism and confucianist societies) in Confucianism? For instance concerning the kind of relationship a confucianism adhering individual/people should have with…
Starckman
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Is Confucius' small man concerned with other people's inferiority, rather than his own superiority?

Is Confucius' small man concerned with other people's inferiority, rather than his own superiority? Book XV 21 says The Master said, "What The Gentleman seeks, he seeks within himself; what the small man seeks, he seeks in others". 24 recommends…
user49449
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What did Confucius mean by reflection and imitation?

Confucius said that there are 3 methods to learn wisdom: by imitation, experience and reflection. Experience is clear, what about imitation and the most unclear - reflection?
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Why, according to Lu Xun, is exaltation a method of suppression?

I'm currently reading an edition of the Analects with an introduction that talks about Lu Xun. It quotes him as saying Whenever a truly original genius appears in this world, people immediately endeavor to get rid of him. Two methods - suppression…
Bob Johnson
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Korean Neo-Confucianism

What are the differences between the Neo-Confucian beliefs of Yi-Hwang ( Toi Gye)and Yi I (Yul Gok)? I study ITF Taekwondo, and our patterns are named for significant people, places, groups, or events in Korean history. I was trying to learn more…
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Is there a concept of Chinese filial peity analogous to 'making your parents proud'?

I understand that Chinese philosophy tends to venerate ancestors and the old. Does any, I suppose Confucian, concept revolve around the everyday notion of making your parents proud?
anon
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