Confucian Moral Theory and Practice

Confucian Moral Theory and Practice
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Confucian Moral Theory and Practice
Introduction
Every civilization and society has some guiding principles that define the nature and behavior of its members. These principles can be in ideologies, social systems, belief systems, religion, or philosophical tradition. Scholars from ancient times and even in the contemporary era have played a significant role in bringing forth theories and philosophies that best explain the belief system and social systems that describe a particular civilization. Ancient China, one of the most notable ancient civilizations, has had a specific way of life that has persisted for over 2000 years and can be attributed to a moral and social theory called Confucianism.
History of Confucianism
The theory of Confucianism, named after a Chinese philosopher, Confucius, who lived between 551 and 479 B.C.E, has been lauded for the social values and ideologies that best describe traditional Chinese society. Confucius lived in the era of the Zhou Dynasty and came up with the moral and social system following the collapse of the dynasty that led to massive chaos and disorders (Yao, 2000, p.21). In his school of thought, Confucius concluded that abiding by the cultural rites and moral virtues established in society is the basis for the existence and relevance of a social system. Some personal attributes associated with Confucius were credited for the wide adoption of the moral theory by the subsequent scholars or disciples. The main ones were a commanding personality and a robust knowledge base (Yao, 2000, p.24).
According to the philosopher and several other scholars who subscribed to the theory of Confucianism, religion and human-centered virtues are the major guiding principles to peaceful coexistence in society. There has been a proclamation by the subsequent scholars that Confucianism is not just a political ideology and a social system, but rather a religious and belief tradition that applies to both ancient and modern ways of life (Yao, 2000, p.3). Confucianism that started with the ancient Chinese civilization has since spread across various East Asian territories, including Korea, Japan, some parts of South Asia, such as Vietnam, to as far as the rest of the world (Yao, 2000, p.12). Confucianism fosters many concepts and guiding principles of humanity. Still, the main idea that stands out with the theory is the concept of morality, making it more of a moral theory rather than a religious or political ideology.
Confucianism in an Ethical Dimension
Confucianism has been emphasized as a political and religious ideology, but it also merits an ethical system. According to Yao, various codes of conduct in the moral life, behavioral patterns, and even social values were enhanced as the basis of the Confucian theory at its inception (32). Confucianism as a moral theory depicts some of the most prominent attributes typical of the most notable moral frameworks, such as deontological and consequential ethical theories. For instance, the idea considers the intrinsic values of a person and the influence on the external environment while evaluating the morality of a person, thus depicting some ...