Is Confucianism synonymous with Chinese culture? While it may be an overstatement to equate the two, there is little doubt that Confucianism pervades every level of Chinese culture and society. To be sure, other traditions such as Daoism and Buddhism have also left an indelible mark; nevertheless, Confucianism remains central to the shaping of the Chinese imagination. The influence of Confucianism extends beyond China to East Asia and through migration and cultural diffusion, other parts of the world. Confucianism traces its origins to the teachings of Confucius. What makes Confucius so special and what did he teach? This course will explore some of the key concepts in Confucian philosophy. Much of the discussion will centre on the Analects of Confucius, the foundational text of Confucian wisdom, although attention will also be given to the subsequent unfolding of the Confucian tradition. We will attempt to situate Confucian philosophy in its own context and to bring out its contemporary significance. Confucianism is a living tradition. Its vitality hinges on not only its continuing relevance in Chinese society but also its contribution to meeting the global challenges confronting the world today. There are no prerequisites for this course, other than a keen interest in Chinese tradition and culture, and the willingness to engage the Analects of Confucius.
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Introduction: The World of Confucius
Part 1 - The World of Confucius
Meaningful engagement with Confucian philosophy requires a disciplined and informed imagination. Confucius (or Kongzi, in Chinese) flourished in a time of considerable change and political instability. Some understanding of the world of early China would be critical, as Confucian ideas did not grow out of a historical vacuum. In this context, we will examine the Analects—known in Chinese as Lunyu—a compilation of sayings and conversations attributed to Confucius that is essential to our understanding of Confucian philosophy.
Part 2A - The Vision of Confucius
The teachings of Confucius are perhaps best understood as a major philosophical renovation of the early Chinese intellectual scene. We will start with the cardinal concept of the junzi, the moral and cultural exemplar that stands at the heart of the Confucian vision. What are the characteristics of the ideal junzi? Can one become a junzi and if so, how can that be accomplished? In this context, some of the key Confucian ethical concepts such as ren (humaneness or humanity), li (propriety), and yi (rightness) will be introduced.
Part 2B - The Vision of Confucius (cont'd)
In this same context (refer to week 2), as we continue our guided tour, as it were, of the rich intellectual landscape that is Confucianism, we examine briefly the concept of “filial piety” (xiao), the key concern with learning and education (xue), which extends far beyond academic interests, and other related concepts. In addition, I would like to raise the question as to whether there is a religious or spiritual dimension to Confucian philosophy, and if so, how does it relate to ethics and political philosophy. There is much to discuss here, and we will return to the question of the impact of the Confucian vision on Chinese culture towards the end of this course.
Part 3A - The Unfolding of Confucianism
“Confucianism” is an abstract generalization. While it may serve as a convenient label, it must be used with care. What needs to be made clear is that the Confucian tradition is dynamic, interacting with different currents of thought as well as harbouring rich internal differences. In this part of the course, some of the main rivals to Confucian philosophy in early China will be introduced. These concern what have come to be called “Mohism,” “Daoism,” and “Legalism” in classical Chinese philosophy.
来自儒家哲学探索的热门评论
This course is amazing! The teacher is great and the subject is super interesting. I've completed like 20 Coursera courses and I can say that this is one of the best courses of Coursera. Thanks a lot.
I loved every minute of this. Really well structured, very interesting and engaging and I genuinely feel I gained a lot. Thank you!
讲师
Alan K. L. Chan
Toh Puan Mahani Idris Daim Chair Professor of Humanities & Social Sciences, Vice President (Alumni and Advancement)关于 新加坡南洋理工大学
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What will I gain from this course?
This course will equip you with a better understanding of the Confucian tradition and how it has shaped Chinese society and culture over the centuries. It should help broaden your perspective in reflecting on fundamental questions of ethics and culture, which are of critical importance to today’s globalized and technology-driven world.
Do I need to know Chinese to take this course?
No, knowledge of the Chinese language is not necessary. Some key Chinese terms will be introduced, but they do not require prior knowledge of Chinese.
What do I need to take this class?
All you need is a computer with an internet connection, the time to read, reflect, write, and discuss with your peers.
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