Confucian Moral Theory and Practice Illustration with Six Virtues

Confucian Moral Theory and Practice Illustration with Six Virtues
Introduction
Confucius is greatly recognized because of the number of great achievements in the moral theory. He postulates the needs of the moral theories and practices in the society with the in-depth understanding of the great virtues. The lecture notes provide the relevant issues related to the Confucianism. Confucianism is described by scholars as humanistic, philosophical, religious or way of life in society. The concept and the ideologies are significantly accredited to teachings and schools of thought of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius. The philosopher came up with many changes in the history. His theories and concepts are a guideline to the modern way of living. The ethics and values he instigated are substantially relevant to the present and future generations. However, there have been critics who associate the china’s weaknesses to Confucianism Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”2016. The modern intellectuals greatly have divergent views on the doctrines spearheaded by Confucius Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. The elites conducted comprehensive research on the society and came up with several principles to replace Confucian teachings. Some of these pertinent doctrines are the Maoism and Three principles of the people. Nevertheless, this essay provides a keen understanding of the six fundamental values put forward by Confucius Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”2016.
According to the detailed lecture notes, it is evident that Confucianism is greatly interested in the morality of people in the society.

The critical role he played in providing the moral theory for the clarification of the contemporary lifestyles. There are numerous perspectives of defining the moral theory in the society. Confucianism ideals and theory provide detailed information and layout on advocacy of the traditional high god of Zhou and the significant unity of oneself in the society. It further enhances the dynamic relationship of humankind with God. Confucianism postulates that the doctrine of heaven is the basic ethical and necessity for human beings Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. It recognizes God as the highest and powerful authority. The principle of heaven is very relevant since it outlines the divine authority and order of creation. The reforms and consistent developments in the society are extended to the families to form a primary platform for harmony and respectful way of living. It is prudent to understand that the arguments are the key traditional customs and cultures Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”2016.
The Confucian theory of morality is very effective since it identifies the numerous practices in the society. The society is capable of recognizing the needs of spiritual purity through Confucianism. The Confucianism spiritual and moral ideals greatly enhance the outward and inner polarities of reforming the world and improving self- development Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. The key ethical value put forward by Confucius in his teachings is Ren, often referred by scholars as humaneness. The virtue provides the unique self of an individual in the society Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”2016. It substantially outlines the compassionate nature of humanity. The aspect of unity and oneness is very crucial. It is profound since the virtue is highly regarded as significant from heaven. The individuals with this attribute can easily comprehend the divine nature. They can easily live a successful life full of social unity and harmonious association Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. The humaneness is an aspect in which individuals can return to heaven or achieve unity through active passion and collaboration. Confucius further enable the individuals to understand the diverse cultures in the society.
The six key virtues are very efficient in understanding the people’s way of living. It is the great to step towards the development of efficient persons with good moral behaviors. The ethical philosophy of Confucius is propagated by the significant and very relevant virtues. The virtues outline the desired and essential way of living. These virtues are explained greatly by Confucius in the society. The works of Confucius are evident in the society from the fact that the virtues can be seen in the behavior of persons in society. It serves to guide individuals in the society. The five fundamental constants found the Ethics Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. The constants are personal virtues postulated by Confucian scholars during the ancient Han Dynasty. The five important virtues and moral standards are Humaneness, righteousness, proper rite, knowledge and integrity. There are also virtues that are singled out from the constants and include the following; loyalty, filial piety, and continence. It is prudent to note that there are still very many different elements such as honesty, forgiveness, and kindness that were put forward by Confucius Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016.
Confucius virtue of good attitude and feeling towards others the most fundamental attribute in the society. Ren is the Confucian virtue that significantly highlights the sense of good feeling and attitude towards others in the society. It is that aspect of protection towards the children by the parents. Many scholars regard this as the prudent sense of understanding that human beings possess. It shows that people can act by the doctrines of Heaven Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. It is an apparent virtue that further gives a thorough knowledge of good spiritual and moral way of living in society. It is the most fundamental attribute that was put forward by the Confucian scholars. It depicts a cohesive and peaceful society that abides by the religious doctrines. The doctrines define the harmonious living in the society. The society is guided by the effective adherence to the ethics and doctrines.
The virtue was described as means of ensuring that everything done by individuals is proper and relevant. The virtue discourages the improper self of living in the society. Confucius postulates that people ought to avoid improper habits Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”2016. It looks at the human being as characters in which that enable they see themselves as effective by seeking to develop themselves. In wishing and actively undertaking measures to facilitate one’s growth, the virtue of humaneness arises as persons uplift the standards of each other in the society. It seeks to enhance cooperation among various parties in the community. It is defined as what individuals wish to be done to him he, therefore, needs to act accordingly to their fellow counterparts Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. It is further understood that humaneness is not distant far from the persons in society but anyone who seeks has in a way found it appropriately. The virtue forms the basis of Confucius moral and ethical standards in the community. It is widely accepted a code of ethical behavior in the modern and contemporary environment. It gives clear indication that ren is very close to individuals and in no circumstance will it leave anyone Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016.
Li refers to crucial rites and rituals that are in the hierarchical order in the society. It entails that individuals in the community understand their fundamental roles and objectives. The responsibilities of each person in the society are adequately addressed. The practice of li enables individuals to act with fairness and equity in their dealing Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. The rites motivate and boost the morale of people. It further shapes the character by ensuring that people behave in a manner that is desirable, appropriate and acts in ways acceptable to the community.
Some individuals do not apply the use of the virtue in their roles. The courtroom judge does not participate in the practice of the virtue. He interprets the law the way it is written. In most instances, the courtroom judges fail to deliver their roles with equity and fairness Lecture notes YA0- An Introduction to Confucianism. Their decisions are based on the literal law interpretation, thus unfair according to the Confucian scholars.
However, individual judges take into consideration the circumstances before making a final ruling. They may consider the famous case that is connected to the challenge and arrive at the judgment based on the spirit of the law in society. This group of judges is therefore considered to have fair and ethical qualities of equity in their ruling. In some instances, some institutions deny individuals opportunity to express their investment virtues Lecture notes YA0- An Introduction to Confucianism. However, individuals can decide for themselves to practice the li virtues. The virtue is imperative since it is directly associated with many social and political institutions. The aspect of law and effective decision making significantly emerges from the practice analysis. The virtue significantly provides an in-depth understanding of the relationship between human beings, nature, and personal objects Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016.
Loyalty significantly is associated with the social class in the society that encompasses the majority of students. It is the primary virtue that directly addresses students. It is very relevant and mostly discussed fundamental Confucius ideology. It stipulates that people should obey their superiors. The obedience should not, however, be misinterpreted as subservience. The aspect of reciprocity appears in this case because of some relations of the virtue. Everybody in the society deserves respect irrespective of the class and status one holds. Confucius postulates that the superiors should be respected and given maximum obedience as a result of their moral rectitude. The positions individuals have in society greatly define their core mandates. Confucius recognizes the need for reciprocity from the seniors. He further outlines that the ministers should effectively serve the prince with utmost faithfulness and adherence. On the other hand, the prince should employ the ministers to the royal cabinet by the requirements of rules and guidelines of propriety Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016.
The Confucian scholars agree with the virtue absolutely by arguing that a good Confucian leader should serve his subjects diligently. In the case of an incompetent leader, it is the mandate of people to facilitate his replacement. The presence of evil leaders should also be overthrown with immediate effect. The relationship among the superiors and subjects should be reliable and less troublesome Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. The act of the rulers to the subjects should be met with an equal response. For instance, if the ruler considers and takes his people as grass, then they should regard him as people’s enemy and the robber. A good Confucian ruler should be able to accept and use advice granted to him by his people. The advice may help the ruler govern people effectively.
In Confucian philosophical teachings, the aspect of filial piety is a virtue in which the parents and ancestors receive utmost respect. One’s parents deserve respect from the children and other individuals in society. It was historically written during the Qin-Han period. The filial piety is very essential in understanding the role of ethics in society Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”2016. It is very useful to the religious groups since they put forward the concept of respect to parents. The virtue is linked to the significant obedience. It requires that the obedience is upheld in society to have a harmonious and peaceful living Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”2016.
The virtue promotes good relations between parents and children. It advocates for the constant protection of the welfare of parents. It supports the need of good caring of the parents in the society. The respect for one’s parents will facilitate bringing good name to the parents in the homestead and the ancestors. The sacrifices boost the unity and the efficient relation between the living and the ancestors. It is important to undertake jobs to secure material means to use in supporting parents. It is also very significant to show love, support and respect for the parents outside the homes Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”2016. The virtue requires that display of sorrow whenever they are sick and sacrifice after their death. Many scholars have agreed with Confucian on this issue. Several religious groups propose great adherence to the Confucious teachings on respect. The Chinese culture recognizes filial piety and serves as the basis for many fundamental ethics stories and guidelines Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016.
Wen is another important virtue that was postulated by Confucian and his scholars. This refers to the activities individuals participate in during their leisure times. The activities entail the crucial arts of music that express the understanding of the society, poetry, and other relevant entertainment events. In some instance, Confucius employ criticism on the Chinese culture by arguing that they lack required virtues Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”2016. Confucius require that the individuals in society are capable of realizing usefulness of their talents and arts. It is important to understand the needs of the various creative arts. It is moral understanding from Confucius school of thought to emphasize the fundamental objective of morality Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. It is prudent to understand that there is no need for individual to participate in an activity that has less or no important moral themes.
Confucius takes the important analysis of the music industry. The music did not offer many societal benefits Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. The temporary cultural effects offered little rewards to the artists. The society is the greatest disadvantaged group in the music industry. Nonetheless, the music is consumed by many people who are moved by the desire to enjoy the excellent songs. Confucius criticized the music but agrees with many scholars on the songs that have significant virtues Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. It is, therefore, evident that the sole responsibility of singers was to enhance important moral virtues are put forward. He raises the essential enlightenment of the virtues and ensures the consistent promotion of important virtues. He approved only music that passes crucial motivation and authentic message to people. He uplifts the dignity of people and consciousness Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016.
There is the controversial xi quality that many scholars have argued against it. It is the quality of either evil or good in each. He explains this aspect by clarifying that nobody is born with a predetermined direction of the way of life. He deliberates that no one is born a hero or a villain. The perspective whether a person is either neutral, good or evil has attracted greater scope of debate. Many scholars have divergent views thus criticizing the perspectives vehemently. He informs researchers that Xi lacks relevant skills in the society Lecture notes YA0- “An Introduction to Confucianism” 2016. He further outlines that person tends to live in the expectation of the others in the society. The individual tends to learn to behave ethically.
Confucius teachings provide a clear understanding of his basic philosophical thoughts to people Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”2016. He appears to be more inclined to philosophy rather than religion. His teachings are evidence that they are an ethical, humanistic, moralistic and rational issue. Confucius substantially outlines the need to strengthen the love, generosity, sincerity, and compassion in a consistent manner. He participates in ensuring the development of morality so that individuals develop progressive and good ideals. The presence of proper and respectable way of living promotes harmony. He also supports the need to develop loyalty in families and across the entire lineage Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016.
According to Lecture notes “Introduction to Confucianism” 2016: The attitude created by the respect enhances peaceful living. It is a step towards sustainable development and growth. It enables persons to grow both spiritually and psychologically. The good and bad deeds are easily identified. He is a great inspiration to the leaders and the students. He encourages them to be contented with they have and live a happy life. His principles help people to live by their ethical aspects. People ought to abide by the five constants that enshrine the core virtues Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”2016. The six fundamental virtues of Xi, li, Yi, Zhi, Ren, and wen are interconnected thus relate with each other sufficiently.
Works Cited
Lecture notes “Confucian Warfare 900-19th Century A.D.
Lecture notes “Concepts of Convergence”.
Lecture notes YA0- An Introduction to Confucianism.
Yao Xinzhong. Wisdom in Early Confucian and Israelite Traditions. London: Routledge. 2016.
Yao Xinzhong. An Introduction to Confucianism. United Kingdom: Cambridge University
Press. 2000.