Confucian Philosophy

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the idea that Confucian philosophy lends itself to the belief that virtue can be something that is both good and bad; it is something that man can accumulate to better himself, but is also something that man can use to obtain power over others. The paper also explains that the Confucian philosophy also lends itself to the interpretation that, even when virtue is something less than good, it ultimately results in the good of mankind as a whole. It explores the notions of how something that is good can be bad and how something that benefits one man can benefit mankind as a whole.

From the Paper:

"The concept of virtue at first seems like it is simple to understand, but if one views it from a Confucian perspective, one comes to realize that the actual concept of virtue is actually quite complex. There are in fact many Confucian ideals that are difficult to understand from a Western perspective, one of which is the idea or concept of "de" or virtue. Confucians believe in the idea that human beings are not static creatures but rather dynamic, capable of transforming life and constantly changing. Based on this notion or premise, there is the recognition among Confucian idealists that one must not simply search for inner spirituality, but rather man should concern himself with establishing the best possible outcome for mankind as a whole. One way to do this is to establish himself as virtuous, and to acquire virtue from others."

More papers on Confucian Philosophy:

• Analytical Essay # 135750 : "Li in Zhu Xi's Philosophy"
• Essay # 87328 : "Confucian Ethics"
• Essay # 96262 : "Confucian Values and Jen"

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