In your life do these five relationships exist?
1) ruler and subject -
2) father and son-
3) husband and wife-
4) older brother and younger brother-
5) friend and friend -
Notes:
Confucianism
- Confucius lived in China during the Chou Dynasty, when there was mass disorder and confusion and degrading moral standards. Confucius was appalled by what appeared to be the fracturing of Chinese society. He believed that the only cure was to stress a sense of social order and mutual respect, a philosophy that later became known as Confucianism.
- Geographic Origin-Developed in China around 500 BCE..
Confucianism teaches that there is a natural social order to society which can best be explained through the Five Relationships:
1. Ruler to ruled.
2. Father to son.
3. Older brother to younger brother.
4. Husband to wife.
5. Friend to friend.
In these relationships, the second role is considered subordinate to the first. It was taught that if everyone knew their place in society, then order would prevail. There are several concepts which needed to be practiced in order to achieve an ordered society:
Jen-Human kindness should be shown towards one another.
Li-Proper etiquette should always be used, and one should strive to achieve perfect virtue.
Filial Piety-One should respect their elders.
