Confucianism Historical Background - Term Paper Example

Confucianism Historical Background Confucius developed the Confucian theory in the axis age. One common characteristic of philosophy during this age that ran between was revolutionary approach to social issues. The period in question covers the stretch of time form around 800 to 200 BC. Much of the revolution strength was hinged on the establishment of morals and values in the human society. This discourse contains historical background perspective of the Confucius approach. Since Confucianism basically originated from East Asia, particularly China, traversing through the history of the various Chinese dynasties and their features in different times could be useful (Yao, 4). According to Yao (68), there was a difficult time during which the old order needed to be replaced, particularly during the time of Spring and Autumn period. To make the need for a different approach, the Warring States prompted thinkers to come up with theory that would assist evade the crisis that stared in their faces. Three approaches or schools of thought were presented regarding the same. The first school of thought was held to the effect that the abolition of the existing social institutions would offer an entry into a transition path to commotion less life. This school of thought held that the difficult experiences were attributable to the society’s departure from the ancient form of living. Second school of thought emanated from a class of pessimists who thought the world had been destroyed beyond intervention. In this group, supporters proposed a withdrawal tactic since they felt that the problems were not likely to be solved. They did not figure out a method of solving the pressing questions such as peace and stability. According to Chai and Chai (2), Confucianism was not developed as a religious outfit as many would be tempted to think but as a strong link of Chinese history to social problems facing the Chinese. The author postulates that, there were very few options for problem solving from the rowdy environment that the ordinary Chinese was subjected to. Just as the intentions of Confucius were, the proponents of Confucianism projected the need to promote humanity in all spheres of human social and political establishments. A philosophy of creating bridges to ancient human society and perspective to life challenges was formulated, with several changes permeating their way into the original version over the ages. Confucianism has passed through several political ages but persistence and prominence over other philosophies in the Chinese society have preserved it for a long time. The third school of thought held by the final class of theorists proposed real interventions to change the chaotic nature of the world. Confucianism was proposed by the third group, which also proposed Maoism and Legalism a well. Some of the words spoken by Confucius concerning the appropriate action to be taken by the human society illustrate a conviction of the ability of humans to change the fate of their destiny by making their choices. “If I do not associate with humankind, with whom shall I associate? If the Way prevailed in the world, there would be no need for me to change it…,” (Yao, 69). Taking an analytical view of historical circumstances at Confucius worked in, it can be said that the chaotic environment seemed to press interventions to humanistic perspectives. There were humanistic problems as identified above which included violence and chaos. Political institutions in East Asia were to blame for the discord that Confucius wanted to solve. One of the strengths that he proposed was due to the fact that traditional practices of the people of East Asia were convincingly able to bring back order. He basically proposed that the historical practices that the people performed practiced traditionally ought to be reintroduced for harmony and order to be revived. Political changes were to be introduced in the whole of the region in order for chaos to be solved. According to Chai and Chai (8), Confucianism has been in existence for over two millennia preaching a philosophy of humanism and preservation of the Chinese ancient civilization evident to this day. The complexity of the philosophy behind Confucianism cannot easily be explained due to its mix of realism and idealism. A belief in human power to solve social challenges and religion for similar purposes depicts the complexity with which the philosophy developed over the years. The five Confucianism Masters (Sipei) According to Yao (70), the most important masters of Confucianism include; Yan Hui, Zenzi, Zisi, Mengzi and Xunzi, who made profound contributions to the establishment of Confucian teachings. Firstly, Yan Hui was one of the first and preferred students of Confucius, who probably assisted in the propagation of the teachings and ideologies proposed by their master. To illustrate the importance of this character to the historical development of Confucianism, the compliments accorded to him by the master can be used. Some of these compliments are contained in several chapters in the Analects. Without Yan Hui, the development of Confucianism would have been different. Secondly, Zengzi carried on Confucian classics thorough his literary works that made huge contribution to the establishment of Confucianism. The Great Learning would not have been facilitated in the historical development of Confucianism without Zengzi. Thirdly, Zisi brought a change in the picture of Confucianism by virtue of being a grandson to Confucius. Besides family links showing how passionate Confucius and his relatives were about the teachings, other literary contributions made Zisi cannot be underestimated. It is argued that among the most important tools of Confucianism, the Doctrine of the Mean as well as a Pro-Confucianism school, owed credit to Zisi. Fourthly, Mengzi emerged as a strong follower of Zisi and a Confucian proponent steering the tradition to a whole new level. Administrators in the Song Dynasty adopted several of his literal works in their Four Books, illustrating his important role in development of early Confucianism. Finally, Xunzi introduced another perspective, different from the moral humanism taken by his predecessors. Naturalistic dimension of Confucianism owes its origin from the works of Xunzi, from where other doctrines such as Legalism as proposed by his disciples. XunZi is however depicted as a weaker proponent of Confucianism since its decline in the post Tang Dynasty is attributed to his diversionary teaching. Works Cited Chai, Ch’u & Chai, Winberg, Confucianism. New York, NY: Barron’s Educational Series, Inc., 1973. Print Lancashire, D. “Confucianism,” Web. 1 March 2011. (http://www.christendom-awake.org/pages/dlancash/chineseworks/Confucianism.pdf) Yao, X. An introduction to Confucianism, Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2000. Print Read More