Confucius Chapter 8 – Imperial China II. Biography A. Early Life 1. 2. 3. 4. born in 551 BC Warring States Period poor family-- cleaned stables love of education B. Adult Life 1. became an official for state of Lu 2. began writing about his beliefs 3. exiled himself and attracted disciples 4. ideas were not adopted into governmental practice until long after his death III. Philosophy (in 3 parts) A. Filial Piety (respect for family) B. Moral character (trustworthy, hardworking, honest, etc) C. Ritual (respecting ancestors and other cultural traditions, rigorous study of morals & academics) solution to problem of social chaos • Confucius believed that a good government depended on having wise leaders • Confucius wrote about ethical and moral behavior, both by the governments and individuals The Five Relationships 1. Emperor to Subject 2. Father to Son 3. Husband to Wife 4. Older Sibling to Younger Sibling 5. Friend to Friend These all demonstrate a superiorsubordinate relationship that must be respected at all times! Confucian Social Order Emperor Upper Class (court, nobles, gov’t officials, scholars) Peasants (farmers) Artisans (skilled craftsmen) Merchants (traders) Slaves Confucius believed that it was possible to move within the social order-through hard work and study (or merit). Confucianism Explained • Confucius and Confucianism • 8:40 minutes • READ –Neo-Confucianism Page 184 –The Civil Service Page 185 Assignment: You are a young Chinese man who has just passed the civil service examination. You will be given a government job. What opinion are you likely to have about neoConfucianism? Write a short persuasive letter in which you explain how neo-Confucianism will help or hurt your career.