In the Name of Filial Piety

Essay # 48738

Asian Studies
Philosophy

This paper traces the Chinese concept of filial piety back to its roots of origin.

2,216 words () | 2 sources | MLA | 2003 United States

Paper Summary:

The idea of being respectful towards one's parents and feeling a duty towards them has existed for ages. The Chinese reinforced this concept by further developing the idea into what is known today as filial piety. The paper explains that, in ancient China, this concept was extremely important. Filial piety played an extremely influential role in the governance of society and in the preservation of morality and traditions in the Chinese culture. Although this concept was developed in ancient China, it is still one that is used today. The paper shows that the concept of filial piety is best explained using the thoughts of ancient philosophers, such as Confucius, Mencious, and the Legalists, and applying these thoughts to different aspects of society, such as the theory of the emperor and his role in society. Filial piety acted, and still acts, as the foundation for society. This paper, therefore, uses the writings of Chinese philosophers, such as Confucius, to discuss the origins of the Chinese concept of filial piety.

From the Paper:

"A philosopher and an educator, Confucius saw a need for reform within society. He was concerned with the fact that people were no longer reverent to their elders, nor were people adhering to righteous values. He sought a return to virtue. He believed that this "return to virtue" needed to start with the reform of an individual's character. He also believed that reform must begin in the home and must be taught to the younger generation. If children saw their parents leading moral lives, they would follow by example because they were easily influenced at a young age. If children were indoctrinated with strong morals as children, then they would grow up to be people of good character; this is turn would make society as a whole better and ultimately it would restore virtue to institutions such as government."