Multicultural Perspectives - Confucianist
After reading about Confucius and his philosophy, I thought
he had more in common with the
liberal side than with the communitarian side. I thought this
because he seemed to idolize the
human being and that only the individual can regulate his/her
life. What specifically
distinguishes Confucius from the liberal side?
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Confucius stated that a well-ordered family has clearly
defined relationships and depends on
obedience of the subordinate members. How can that model survive
in our highly emancipated
and individualized society?
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Lao Tzu said: "What is needed is not interference with the
world but humble understanding
of the way it functions." This to me would be like if you are
dying of cancer you shouldn't seek
treatment, you should just live and understand "yes, you have
cancer and you are going to die."
Is this what Tzu is talking about? If you are in pain, dying,
hurt or upset about something you
should just accept the fact but not interfere or try to alter the
course of your problem or
situation?
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When Confucius speaks of the Tao, or the way of nature, it
sounds closer to Aristotle than
to Kant. Why do you class Confucius with Kant on your chart in
IPN?
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Confucius' principle of reciprocity as it applies to human
affairs is used today in Western
societies. Why isn't more of Confucianism used (that is, in
Western societies)?
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I found this week's readings on Asian Philosophy the most
intriguing of any we have studied
so far. I found many of my own personal beliefs mirrored in those
of Confucianism and Taoism,
which leads me to believe that modern Christianity must be
influenced by them in some small
way. Of particular interest to me was the fact that in Chinese
philosophers did not try to define
the Tao, they just accepted that it existed and did not try to
justify or compartmentalize it.
Although Confucius' idea of the sage was a noble one, he fell
into the same romantic trap that
Plato did. It would be nice if mankind could achieve the ideals
they envisioned, but it still has a
long way to go.
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In the textbook, Confucius talks about the principle of Mean
and the principle of reciprocity.
How are these two principles different?
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Are the qualities Confucius believed should be pursued
(humanity, wisdom, courage) in
any way akin to Plato's forms--the purest and highest state of
things? Are these the most worthy
and admirable qualities Confucius believed could be attained?
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In the handout that you gave us, "Mandate of Heaven," it is
stated that if the leaders don't
turn the cards down the people will. Why is that so and how? What
I mean is the logic for this?
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