Confucius

1

• Confucius
• Kong Qiu
• Kong Fuzi
• Master Kong
• Born 551 BCE in China
• Father died when young
• Raised by mother to be gentleman
• Came to be known as a great teacher.

2
Main Thought

• Confucius believed that human beings needed to be
  guided in their refinement. He differed from
  Taoists who believed that humans beings were
  naturally good. He took the middle position
  which was that individuals have the potential to
  be virtuous and do great things but need
  assistant in attaining virtues.

3
Five Great Relationships

• The Crux of Confucian Society

4
Five Great Relationships

• Father-son. Family is the foundation to
  Confucian society and the father-son relationship
  is its core. It represents all parent child
  relationships. The father educates, provides
  moral values, etc.

5
Elder to Younger Brother

• Elder brother-younger brother. Elder brother
  assumes the responsibility of raising the other
  siblings. He also assumes the responsibilities
  of the father should the father die.

6
Husband-Wife

• In husband-wife relationship each person is
  responsible for the care of the other. It is an
  hierarchical relationship. The husband is an
  authoritative protector and the wife is a
  protected homemaker and mother.

7
Friend-Friend

• Friends form very strong bonds in Confucian
  society. Male friends especially are very close.
  Sometimes these friends model elder-younger
  relationships.

8
Ruler-Subject

• This is an important relationship and mimics the
  relationship between the father and the son.

9
Societal Roles and Family Relationships

• Every person is expected to carry out his or her
  role. Whether you are a grandparent or a younger
  brother you have responsibilities that fall
  within your expectations. The relationships are
  hierarchical.