哲学 Synthesis Paper: 1B

哲学

What is philosophy as demonstrated in Ancient Chinese Philosophy…

1. by Confucius…

B. in the way he lays down the assumptions of the solution to the philosophical problem?

Every problem has a solution. So it goes and in the first part of the course, we were presented with Confucius seeing the absence of harmony in the society as the basic philosophical problem which can be traced back to the incorrect use of names and actualities. 

Set and corresponding with history in Confucius’ time, the eye of the storm can be found in the affairs of the state where the chun tzu is not a chun tzu. It had come to this because for a long time back then, people stopped following the Tao. Confucius, however, has a solution- a solution that has been there all along. 

People have deviated away from the Tao and going back to the Tao is the very solution to the problem. Confucius said it himself,

Analects 18:6

 “If the Way prevailed in the world, there would be no need for me to change it.”

The Way, according to the border guard, has not prevailed in the world for a long time and thus became the reason why there was social disharmony. The collapse of order in the society were brought about by the people’s failure in following the moral laws and their neglect in fulfilling their roles in their family and in their society. It can be said that the problem starts with the individual himself. Therefore, the solution to the problem lies in the correction of the ways of the the individual.

Go back to the Tao. Look at it not only in its surface but look through it. Go back to tradition and look at its implications and importance in the present context. Exercise tradition rituals and maintain goodness and human-heartedness in your being. Lastly, develop your character into that of a chun tzu. 

Analects 7:6

“Set your will on the Way. Have a firm grasp on virtue. Rely on humanity. Find recreation in the arts.”

As we human beings are social animals, Confucius directed that we should associate with people in goodness and with an undisputed selflessness. In relating to our family, we must be filial and respectful. We must do our duties as required, as it befits our position and responsibility in the family. In relating to other people, we must be humane and right in our words and actions. Conscientiousness and altruism are important in expressing this. 

Analects 1:2

“Yu Tau said, ‘Few of those who are filial sons and respectful brothers will show disrespect to superiors, and there has never been a man who is not disrespectful to superiors and yet creates disorder. A superior man is devoted to the fundamentals. When the root is firmly established, the moral law will grow. Filial piety and brotherly respect are the root of humanity.”

Traditions is also one of the main focus in Confucian thought. It maintains social harmony and employs that a gentleman is one who follows tradition. Going back means maintaining the rituals that has been handed down from generation to generation and continuing to practice it.

Next is nurturing the goodness and the intelligence that one is born with through education. Everyone should also be given the equal opportunity to learn regardless on one’s social standing in the community. If one is interested, let him learn.

Analects 7:8

“Confucius said, ‘I do not enlighten those who are not eager to learn, nor arouse those who are not anxious to give an explanation of themselves. If I have presented one corner of the square and they cannot come back to me with the other three, I should not go over the points with them.’”

Since the problem also lies with the individual, Confucius tells us the the solution also lies within the individual. By becoming a chun tzu, in the Confucian way, one can slowly correct and straighten one’s character that will then cause a domino effect in everything else. By becoming a Confucian gentleman who enters himself on the Tao and expresses his being humane through conscientiousness and altruism, he is able to correct the wrongs in the society that are the causes of the absence in social harmony. 

Become the superior man. Revel on the higher things and shun selfish acts. Form your character through the Way, perform your moral duties, and deal well with the people around you.

Analect 1:6

“Young men should be filial when at home and respectful to their elders when away from home. They should be earnest and faithful. They should love all extensively and be intimate with men of humanity. When they have any energy to spare after the performance of moral duties, they should use it to study literature and the arts.”

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