Human Nature Confucianism - 1138 Words

Human Nature in Confucianism The concept of human nature is somewhat debated in Confucianism and its followers. In the absence of a personal or supernatural god in this belief system, the question of whether someone is inherently good or evil does not have the same importance as it does otherwise. For example, Christians believe that they are created with sin and must create a certain form of relationship with their god to live a moral life. However, without such a personal god, the focus is more on human behavior than and sort of dogmatic debate. In fact, Confucius hardly ever touches on this issue but noted that by nature men are similar; by practice men are wide apart (Confucius, N.d.). The irrelevance of a static human nature that can be associated with Confucianism is one of the most interesting aspects of the belief system. Instead of the focus being on more of a definitional quality of mankind, the focus is more on the improvement of man on an individual level as well as the improvement of society in gen eral. Confucius seems to definitely possess the ability to see human behavior on a scale that includes the broader ramifications that it can have on a society. For example, Confucius sees the accumulation of wealth as a counterproductive ambition that only detracts from ones character. A rich man may lie around drinking all day and not work on improving himself, his relationships, or the society in general. Therefore, any version of such self-indulgence isShow MoreRelatedComparing The Attitude Towards Human Nature On Confucianism And Legalism1589 Words   |  7 PagesProfessor Mengjun Li EALC 350 (25307) 23 October 2017 Compare the attitude towards human nature in Confucianism and Legalism (e.g. Han Feizi). What are the implications of these attitudes for other aspects of their philosophy, such as education and government? The Juxtaposition of Confucianism and Legalism Amidst the chaos and political turmoil characteristic of the Warring States period in Chinese history, Confucianism and Legalism arose as two prominent and competing schools of thought. These twoRead MoreEast Asian Concept Of Human Nature1715 Words   |  7 PagesEast Asian Concept of human nature Introduction The Eastern Asia region is diverse. It include: Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, Taoism, Shinto and Christianity. Confucianism and Buddhism and Taoism have dominated most parts of the region with some states governing system being based on these religions. Chinese government, constitution and the administration policies have been based on the ethics of Confucian traditions and ethics as well as philosophy. Similar to the governing ethics in these regionRead MoreThe Night Watches Of The Buddha1747 Words   |  7 Pagesre-arose here (Bhikkhu ). Thus he realized that he remembered his manifold past lives in their modes and gained knowledge of the cycle of death and rebirth. After he experienced the first watch of the night, he continued on with his practice and saw how human beings die and are reborn. He attained use of the Third Eye, which verified the law of Karma. Thus, he now has a perfectly pure sight which enable to see the whole world as spotless mirror (VOORST 84) and he realiz ed that death-rebirth circle isRead MoreEssay on Confucianism and Daoism795 Words   |  4 PagesConfucianism and Daoism Confucian and Daoist views were important for the shaping and development of mankind in the past. They were views that existed among the eastern Asian countries. They had both similarities and differences in the way they shaped out self-knowledge and self-cultivation. Also there was other outside forces that played a major role in their theories. Nature and art were said to have helped shape the human race as we know it. Confucianism and Daoism seem to be complete polarRead MoreSimilarities Between Confucianism And Taoism902 Words   |  4 PagesThe religions, Confucianism and Taoism, both originate from indigenous Chinese beliefs and practices. Although they come from the same area in the world, they have several differences alongside their similarities. Additionally, they both are influenced by the Tao; however, they have different meanings behind the concept. Taoism can be summed up as appreciating all that is natural; whereas Confucianism is ideal society model created through a lifetime of relationship dedication. Neither of theseRead MoreConfucianism Vs Taoism1378 Words   |  6 Pages Confucianism and Taoism are some of the major religions in China. They have greatly influenced the culture of the Chinese people as well as their world view. The connection between the two religions has influenced many people over time. It can also be said that when the principles of both philosophies are put together, the outcome is a well-rounded person. The following is a discussion of the principles and philosophies behind these two religions as well as how the two religions interact and connectRead MoreConfucianism : Taoism, Confucianism, And Confucianism1156 Words   |  5 PagesRaymond Cho EALC 350 October 29, 2014 Professor Birge Which philosophy: Taoism, Confucianism, or Legalism would be best in your opinion for maintaining a peaceful society? Why? Perhaps there is no single philosophy that can create a truly peaceful society. The conundrum of choosing a philosophy to embody a peaceful society is rather complicated, as the ideologies of the philosophies often differ greatly from their real world application. Debates over ideologies can create global scale problemsRead MoreEssay on Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism1038 Words   |  5 PagesConfucianism, Taoism and Buddhism constitute the essence of the traditional Chinese culture. The relationship among the three has been marked by both competition and complementation in history, with Confucianism playing a more dominant role. Confucianism emphasized a reiteration of current moral values and Taoism developed a system of based upon a harmonization of man with the natural order. These two popular philosophies, however, developed into popular religions eventually. Besides the major religionsRead MoreWorld Wide Yin and Yang1735 Words   |  7 PagesThe Chinese culture has a var iety of religions and philosophies; behind each one there is a core of theories and principles formed by its founders. The aspects of the yin-yang principal are the basis of the three major Chinese religions: Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. In China, people are aware of the importance of believing in the yin and yang principles. The Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender states, the Chinese view yin and yang as opposites, where yin is dark and yang is light. They are alsoRead MoreConfucianism And Its Positive And Negative Sides986 Words   |  4 PagesThere are 3 notable figures in Confucianism Kongzi, Mengzi and Xunzi. Kongzi better known as Confucius is the founder of Confucianism. Confucianism also known as Ruism is a way of life taught by Confucius in the 6th-5th century BCE (it has existed for more than 2 millenia and followed by the Chinese). Confucianism is seen as an all-encompassing humanism that neither denies nor slights heaven. In this essay, I would like to state my view that Confucianism has its positive and negative sides. In