Ancient Chinese Philosophy: A Letter from Confucius
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This solution was provided for a student needing help in creating an 'in-character' rendition of Eastern Philosophy where his knowledge and understanding of a particular philosopher's teachings were tested by writing a letter on a subject from a particular philosopher's viewpoint. Since in-character writings need more than just detailed knowledge of a philosophy but also a bit of emulative skills to adopt a particular Philosopher's way of writing; the student had asked for help via example. This letter does not only relay Confucius' teachings on governance but also tries to write as he would by using metaphor in lieu of examples and references to Chinese concepts of Heaven, Earth, Responsibility and Filial Piety. The Solution also contains a concise introduction on Confucius, his teachings and an insight into the significance of Confucian Philosophy across varied cultures and nations in the Far East.
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Solution Summary
Ancient Chinese Philosopher Confucius was concerned about social harmony and it is one of the many subjects he tackled in his work, the Analects. His Philosophy revolves around virtue, morality,harmony & filial piety, among others. This solution tackles his views on Leadership & Governance and what it means & requires to lead for the leader/emperor & for the society he governs. His views are expressed in a letter to a student (as required by this particular solution). Confucius' philosophy has influenced Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese & Korean thought throughout the centuries & has become an institutional part of these various nations/societies. The solution provides an introductory insight as well as lists additional references on the subject matter.
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Ancient Philosopher - Confucius
Philosophy - Confucianism
What is it about?
Confucianism is a system of beliefs on ethics & philosophy developed by Confucius (551-479 BCE) who was an ancient Chinese social philosopher, teacher and thinker and whose teachings & written works deeply influenced Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese way of life. His most popular work is the Analects by which I adapted the philosophy I used below from. He was born into a Chinese empire deeply fractured by internal divisions and in his childhood witnessed political dissent & corruption affect the way of life of villages & cities, disrupting and even destroying not just individuals or families but communities. Below I have citied links for further reading on Confucian Philosophy and thought to guide you into understanding the basic tenets of it. Confucian philosophy has been lauded & adapted by various European thinkers while back in Asia it has been adapted into the way of life of people with Confucianism being thought of a State 'religion' (in China). Out of it Taoism sprung and various adaptations of it's tenets on Morality, Ethics, Filial Piety, Governance among others became the guiding principles of Chinese Empires to the present day government. The letter I wrote below emanates Confucian thought, as if I was Confucius writing to a student about my ideas on Leadership being disappointed of the 'current imagined emperor' who falls short on virtue & moral grounds. If you need help or clarification about this solution, please do not hesitate to send me a message. As always, adapt the solution to your particular paper or academic needs, guard against ...
Education
- MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
- MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
- Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
- BA, University of the Philippines
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