Overview
Introducing Chinese Culture and Confucianism
Complete Readings: “Philosophic and Linguistic Background,” in “Introduction” to The Analects of Confucius, pp. 20-44; “Chronological Table of Dynasties” (1st page of Analects file) Guiding Questions: Of the four methodological attitudes that have prevailed in the history of the modern Western study of Asian philosophies, which have been especially influential in the Western study of China and Chinese culture, language, and philosophy? Explain briefly. What is Confucianism? Why is it important to consider the philological context of Chinese philosophy (or indeed, of any philosophy)? As noted in the translators’ “Introduction,” what are some of the core differences between Indo-European and Chinese languages? Who was Confucius? What was his central philosophical concern?
The Analects: Ren and the Way to Becoming a Person * Start of Class: Written Reflection due via Canvas link based upon the below Readings and corresponding Guiding Questions: Complete Readings: “The Chinese Lexicon,” in The Analects of Confucius, pp. 45-65 (review appropriate sections, e.g., “Ren”); The Analects of Confucius, 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.10, 2.1, 2.4, 2.21, 3.3, 4.1, 4.6, 6.23, 15.36, 17.3 Guiding Questions: What does it mean to be (or become) a “person” in the Confucian sense? What does it mean to become a true person in the Confucian sense? How is the Confucian notion of the person different than predominating views of the person in the “West”? Discuss at least one passage from the Analects itself (i.e., from the translated text itself, not from the translators’ Introduction) that supports your response.
e Life of Confucius [Note: We will not meet for this class. See instructions below for alternate learning activities.] * 11:59 pm Friday: Written Reflection due via Canvas link based upon the below Guiding Questions related to this Documentary (already available): “Confucius: Words of Wisdom” (44 min) Link: http://ignacio.usfca.edu/record=b4498949 ? Click on the hyperlink that says "from Films on Demand Master Academic
Guiding Questions: How old was Confucius when his mother died? How old was Confucius when his father died? What was so scandalous about the birth of Confucius? Did Confucius ever hold political office? Explain. What is Confucius’ vision of learning to be human? Why did Confucius consider himself to be a failure at the end of his life? Week 8 (10/10-10/14): Confucian Philosophy cont.
The Analects (cont.): Li and the Form of Person-Making * Start of Class: Written Reflection due via Canvas link based upon the below Readings and corresponding Guiding Questions:
Readings: “The Chinese Lexicon,” in The Analects of Confucius, pp. 45-65 (review appropriate sections, e.g., “Li”); The Analects of Confucius, 1.8, 1.13, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 4.10, 4.12, 4.16, 6.20, 6.23, 6.30, 7.11, 7.24, 9.4, 12.1, 15.16, 15.24, 17.3 Guiding Questions: What does the term “li” mean in a Confucian context? What does it have to do with realizing ren? Why is li necessary but (in and of itself) insufficient for realizing consummate personhood (ren) in a Confucian context?
The Analects (cont.): Yi and the Feeling of Person-Making Readings: Review same readings from previous class. Guiding Questions: What does the term “yi” mean in a Confucian context? How is it interrelated with li and ren? Why might yi be necessary but (in and of itself) insufficient for realizing consummate personhood (ren) in a Confucian context?
The Analects (cont.): Xiao and the Religiousness of Person-Making * Start of Class: Written Reflection due via Canvas link based upon the below Readings and corresponding Guiding Questions: Readings: “The Chinese Lexicon,” in The Analects of Confucius, pp. 45-65 (review appropriate sections, e.g., “Xiao”); The Analects of Confucius, 1.2, 1.9, 1.11, 2.7, 2.8, 2.14, 2.17, 2.18, 2.21, 3.3, 3.12, 4.20, 6.22, 11.12, 13.23, 15.22, 15.29, 19.24 Guiding Questions: What does “xiao” mean in a Confucian context? What translations of “xiao” does the translator avoid, and why? How does xiao compare/contrast with Western forms of religiosity (e.g., Christianity)? Explain by referencing one passage from the Analects.