yahoo post #7

Discuss Confucius’ main philosophical ideas and the Confucian Project
Confucius was intent on revitalizing all of Chinese society. He wanted to promote political and social harmony across China. Confucius’ main philosophical ideas were geared towards this end. He fashioned his ideas in response to two schools of thought, that of the Realists and Mo Ti. The Realist thought force was the answer and Mo Ti thought love as the answer. Confucius knew
that force would not change anything and love was very unrealistic. To arrive at an answer in response to the Realists and Mo Ti, Confucius looked to the past. Confucius wanted to fashion a new kind of tradition for China. This look to the past would make up his philosophical ideas.

Confucius’ philosophy consisted of five ideas. Confucius’ first idea was that of jen or how two people should interact with one another. For Confucius, this was his most important philosophical ideal. His second idea was that of chun tzu or the importance of making others feel at ease. I adhere to this thought process, when visiting my home, it is not my job to make you feel at home, it is your job to make me feel at home. This is what I think Confucius had in mind with chun tzu. Confucius’ third idea is that of li. Li has two meanings. The first meaning is that of propriety or the way people should act or do things. This covers how someone should act in public, that a person should always act in moderation, how someone should adhere to their roles in relation to parents, marriage, siblings, friends, and subordination. This ties into the importance of filial piety and respecting your elders. The second meaning of Li deals with rite. Confucius’ fourth idea is te or how someone should lead other men. Confucius believed that individuals need to be encourage to be lead. Leaders should lead by example, thus, earning the respect of those they will lead. And finally, Confucius’ fifth idea was that of wen or importance placed on the arts. Confucius believed that the arts had an unlimited impact on how the state or country is perceived by others. If a book is to be judged by its cover, then the arts have a very important role as to how others will view your culture.

The Confucian Project is Confucius’ implementation of his philosophical ideas. It is his attempt to transform the Chinese society. In Confucius’ grand scheme of things, the individual becomes the change Chinese society needs. When coupled with other individuals, change will spread like wildfire. The change starts with the individual. The individual impacts the family. The family impacts the community. The community impacts the state. The state impacts the world. It is all paid forward.

Discuss Taoism’s main philosophical ideas and Taoist values.
Taoism is a philosophical thought originating to an ancient Chinese philosopher by the name of Lao Tzu. Lao Tzu believed that all of humankind was genuinely good. His philosophical ideas are captured in the book, Tao Te Ching.

The Tao Te Ching gives three meanings to what Lao Tzu referred to as the way or Tao. The first definition defines Tao as the "way of ultimate reality." Lao Tzu described this first definition as the Tao that cannot be comprehended. It is infinity. It is the beginning, middle, end. It is everything. The second definition defines Tao as the "way of the universe." Lao Tzu implies that spirit is what drives all things. Finally, the third definition defines Tao as the "way of human life." Lao Tzu also gave three meaning to what he referred to as power or Te. It is the Te that has splintered Taoism into three different schools of thought: Philosophical Taoism, Religious Taoism, and the Taoism that wants more ch’i.

Taoism’s values are that it is reflective in nature and thus self-empowering for the practitioner. In regards to Philosophical Taoism, it’s main philosophical ideas pertain to matters of knowledge. Philosophical Taoism believes knowledge is power. They believe that when one has knowledge or wisdom, one will be better prepared to live a conservative life. A life that is not rife with drama or conflict. No drama in one’s personal life and no conflict with one’s reality. Philosophical Taoism prescribes wu wei as the way to live one’s life. This in essence it to live peacefully.

Compare and contrast these two Chinese philosophies.
Confucism is focused on political and social harmony. It emphasizes human interaction, hierarchal structures, and filial piety. Taoism is focused on the health of the human body. It’s concern is tapping into the Tao of the individual and properly utilizing the individual Te. Confucism looked to the past for answers. Taoism looks within for answers. Confucism maintains order. Taoism encourages impulsiveness. Confucism focused on man. Taoism focused of the spirit of man.