In What Major Ways Did Confucian Philosophy Manifest Itself in Chinese Society During the Ming and Qing Dynasty
1. In what major ways did Confucian philosophy manifest itself in Chinese society during the Ming and/or Qing dynasties?
It is clear from examining the philosophical thought and social trends during both the Qing and Ming dynasties that Confucian thought and ideology had a profound effect on Chinese society and moral values during that period.
Confucian philosophy is an ethical and philosophical thinking system thought to have been developed from the teachings of Kong Fuzi, known as Confucius who lived between 551–478 BC in China. [1]The essence of Confucianism is that the human mind can be cultivated through virtue and moral perfection. Confucianism has had tremendous influence on Chinese history and culture as well as other East Asian cultures.
Even before the Ming and Qing dynasties, Confucianism had a profound effect on Chinese society. Confucianism was the state ideology of the Han dynasty with later forms developing such as Neo-Confucianism developed during the Song dynasty known as ‘DaoXue’, ‘the learning of the way’. During the 5th century Confucian teaching had become a reference of the values of morality and dignity in private life and government.[2]In his writings argued for the importance of righteousness and loyalty through correct rituals and also stated that worthy men should not serve unworthy rulers and must be ready to sacrifice their lives if necessary in the defence of this principle [3]Further arguments put forth by Confucius stated that while paying respects to the memory of the deceased is important, humans should concentrate on their personal problems of this world instead of trying to understand the forces of heaven and the realms of the spirits. [4]
The collection of dialogues that Confucius had with his students and with statesmen known as ‘Analects’ was highly influential in the philosophy and moral values of Imperial China.[5]In the conversations, Confucius’s thoughts are recorded including his belief in the powers of moral
It is clear from examining the philosophical thought and social trends during both the Qing and Ming dynasties that Confucian thought and ideology had a profound effect on Chinese society and moral values during that period.
Confucian philosophy is an ethical and philosophical thinking system thought to have been developed from the teachings of Kong Fuzi, known as Confucius who lived between 551–478 BC in China. [1]The essence of Confucianism is that the human mind can be cultivated through virtue and moral perfection. Confucianism has had tremendous influence on Chinese history and culture as well as other East Asian cultures.
Even before the Ming and Qing dynasties, Confucianism had a profound effect on Chinese society. Confucianism was the state ideology of the Han dynasty with later forms developing such as Neo-Confucianism developed during the Song dynasty known as ‘DaoXue’, ‘the learning of the way’. During the 5th century Confucian teaching had become a reference of the values of morality and dignity in private life and government.[2]In his writings argued for the importance of righteousness and loyalty through correct rituals and also stated that worthy men should not serve unworthy rulers and must be ready to sacrifice their lives if necessary in the defence of this principle [3]Further arguments put forth by Confucius stated that while paying respects to the memory of the deceased is important, humans should concentrate on their personal problems of this world instead of trying to understand the forces of heaven and the realms of the spirits. [4]
The collection of dialogues that Confucius had with his students and with statesmen known as ‘Analects’ was highly influential in the philosophy and moral values of Imperial China.[5]In the conversations, Confucius’s thoughts are recorded including his belief in the powers of moral