Confucian Cultural Values
- Contemporary of
- Not a religion, no theistic basis, ethical construct based in
preservation of harmony and health of society
- Individual is
secondary to the group
- Based in observations
(description and interpretation) of ancient Chinese history
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1. Social
order and stability are based on unequal relationships among people. |
There are 5 basic human
relationships, each with specific virtues: Leader and follower (justice and loyalty); father and son (love and closeness); husband and wife
(initiative and obedience); older
brother and younger brother (friendliness
and reverence); friends (mutual
faithfulness) - relationships are the models for behavior and the
development of virtue. AGE is valued,
elders are seen as being the wisest and are venerated - led to ancestor “worship” |
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2. The family
is the prototype for all social organizations. |
The roles regarding family relationships
and virtues can be expanded to apply to the town, city, and country. Both
forceful and yielding elements (yin and
yang) are required. One is needed for the other to have meaning. [ |
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3. Proper
social behavior consists of not
treating others as you would not
want to be treated. |
Not the same as the Golden
rule, this involves restraint, reflection, and understanding. It does not
require good acts, merely the absence of negative ones. |
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4. People
should be skilled, educated, hardworking, thrifty, modest, patient, and
perservering. |
Human nature is assumed to
be inherently good and each person has the responsibility to improve
themselves, regardless of circumstance. The goal is to promote a world at
peace where no one needs to govern or be governed. |