Confucianism and Its Modern Value

Confucius

The Main Difference Compared with Western Christianism， the Confucianism

are different in the structure

Judgment and morals norm can come from a person himself,

Ideas come from the Jesus or God or other systems.

Contents: Classical Confucianism --- core value & characteristics Neo-Classical Confucianism --- representatives and thoughts --- characteristics --- functions The Innovation of Neo-Classical Confucianism --- Democracy --- Reform The Development of Confucianism and Confucianism

Capitalism --- applied in Policy Maker --- applied in merchants

Philosophy of Classical Confucianism

The core value of Confucianism is rén (仁 ).

Rén is the virtue of perfectly fulfilling one's responsibilities toward others, it’s most often translated as "benevolence "or Goodness.

Li, is described by using some forms of the word ‘ritual’, it has also been translated as ‘etiquette' and ‘rules of proper behavior’.

Doctrine of the Mean (Classical Theory) (Define "Mean" as an "Equilibrium" identified as "Harmony“) While there are no excitings of pleasure, anger, sorrow, or joy, the mind m

ay be said to be in the state of Equilibrium. When those feelings have been stirred, and they act in their due degree, there ensues what may be called the state of Harmony. This Equilibrium is the great root from which grow all the human acting in the world, and this Harmony is the universal path which they all should pursue

(Classical Theory)Doctrine of the Mean

(Define "Mean" as an "Equilibrium" identified as "Harmony“)

While there are no excitings of pleasure, anger, sorrow, or joy, the mind may be said to be in the state of Equilibrium. When those feelings have been stirred, and they act in their due degree, there ensues what may be called the state of Harmony. This Equilibrium is the great root from which grow all the human acting in the world, and this Harmony is the universal path which they all should pursue

Neo-Confucianism

Zhu Xi or Chu Hsi

He is a Confucian scholar in Song Dynasty (A.D 960–1279)

The most influential rationalist

Neo-Confucian

He pushes Confucianism to a higher state, which make it become a Confucianism development milestone of the history

Li (lĭ) is a concept found in Neo-Confucian Chinese philosophy. It’s the principle that is in everything and governs the universe. Each person has a perfect li.

Individuals should act perfectly moral

It may be translated as rational principle or law and not to be confused with li

The sum of Li is Taiji

His Achievements He added ideas from Daoism and

Buddhism into Confucianism.

Zhu Xi Innovated Interpretation of the Nature of Mind in Traditional Confucianism

The Impact of "Having Respect" upon Zhu Xi's Cultivation of Mind

Lì can be translated as Benefit

This is doing the exact thing for the Benefit reason.

Lì is based upon one’s satisfaction.

Yì can be translated as righteousness

This is doing the right thing for the right reason.

Yì is based upon reciprocity.

How to Identify Gentleman vs Flunky

In Confucianism's views, Pursuing "benefit" to still pursue "righteousness" is the basic difference of mean person and gentleman.“ Benefit“ should obey "righteousness“.

Going "righteousness" is a person should overcome man's natural nature, then overcome benefit yourself to achieve morals ideal.

Innovation of Neo-Confucianism

Huang Zongxi (1610-1695) Huang was notable for being one of the first

Neo-Confucians to stress the need for constitutional law and considered as the father of the Enlightenment in China

Waiting for the Dawn was a summary of ideas about political reform.

The political tract begins with a condemnation of selfish autocratic rule, and declares that the world should belong to the people

Kang Youwei He was surely one of the first advocates of

Western communism in China. Hundred Days' Reform

In it, Kang proposed a utopian future world that would be free of political boundaries, ruled by one central government, but under democratic rule.

This was unusual for a Confucian scholar during his

time. He believed that Western technological progress had a central role in saving humanity.

Neo-Confucianism was spread to North Korea, then stream into Japan, once it become very popular in Japan, which influence rather greatly.

In Korea, People believe of various religion, but in the ethics morally regard Confucianism as principle. After the western civilization invade Korean society, various social problem has increment, but the Korean government use the ethics morals of Confucianism as the check and supervision strength which supports a social stability, turning a Confucianism in the education deeply.

The Development of Confucianism

More than 156 Confucius Institute have been set up around the world. Three of them are in Canada, the famous one in Vancouver

In China, after 1984, the Fete Ceremony for Confucius was resumed

In Korea and Japan, almost every year, this ceremony is held by the government.

The Application of Neo-Confucianism

In East Asia

In China, Harmonious society

This idea deviates China's focus from economic growth to overall societal balance.

Hu-Wen New Administration President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao h

ave adopt more reform-oriented and more open-minded policy.

Premier Wen always wear a overcoat which has ten year history.

Confucianism Capitalism

1. Collectivism vs Individualism

Example: Li Jiacheng

—The Li Ka Shing Foundation

To date, the sponsorships and commitments approx.$ 990 million

2. Doctrine of the Mean in Business Competition

Stress to moderate and response. Appeal greatly and together and save small difference, oppose competing excessively

Conclusion

The essence of Confucianism is commonalty Confucianism. Its fundamental spirits is maintaining society run harmoniously.

Confucianism is not only the ancient Chinese social govern and management theory, but also compatible with democracy and political theories, even with western democracy and communism theory.