Confucianism
Definition
Confucianism is a system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius. It emphasizes personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, kindness, and sincerity.
Analogy
Think of Confucianism like the rules in a cooperative board game. Everyone has their roles to play (like parents, children, rulers), and when everyone follows the rules correctly (morality, justice), the game runs smoothly.
Related terms
Filial Piety: A virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors in Confucian philosophy.
Analects: The collected sayings of Confucius, one of the Four Books and Five Classics which became standard texts for Chinese scholar-officials.
Mandate of Heaven: An ancient Chinese belief/theory that heaven granted emperors the right to rule based on their ability to govern well and fairly.
"Confucianism" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Practice Questions (14)
- Confucianism and other elements of Chinese culture shaped the culture in all of the following places EXCEPT
- In China, Confucianism emphasized the idea that
- What is FALSE about Confucianism?
- What cultural trend was seen in China during the Song Dynasty as a result of Confucianism's influence?
- What role did Confucianism play in Ming Dynasty society between the years of approximately 1368 and beyond?
- Which Chinese Dynasty was characterized by a revival in Confucianism and an emphasis on civil service exams?
- What effect did Confucianism have on gender dynamics within East Asian society from the years between 1200-1450?
- How did Confucianism's influence on education during this period mirror patterns seen elsewhere globally?
- Which Chinese dynasty mandated state support for Confucianism as a means to legitimize its rule?
- How did Confucianism influence government bureaucracy during China's Song Dynasty?
- What effect did Confucianism have on East Asian society during Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE)?
- How might the Qing dynasty's approach to ruling China have changed if they decided not to adopt Confucianism as state doctrine?
- What changes may be observed if Confucianism didn't get state support during Yuan dynasty?
- How did Confucianism shape the political structures in Song China?
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