Confucian Moderate [Outline]

Q: Is the message of the Analects more one of social reform or social conservatism?

Thesis: Confucianism is a combined message of both reform and conservatism that successfully appeals to both the appeals to innovation and tradition.

      I.         Introduction – Thesis

    II.         Confucian Conservatism – Appeals to tradition with older cultural values

A.     Ancient Rites

                       1.         Cultural template on harmonious living (VIII, 2; XV, 33)

                       2.         Rites good PR, serve in state function, safety clause included (IV, 13)

                       3.         Devoted to antiquity (VII, 1)

                       4.         Old literature: The Odes & The Book of History (VIII, 8)

B.     Family Values

                       1.         Filial piety – Respect of those older especially parents (IV, 18)

                       2.         Good son = Never failing to comply (II, 5; XI, 22)

                       3.         Funeral & mourning

                       4.         Rein in young ambitions (V, 22)

C.     State Structure

                       1.         Admiration for the Past Zhou (Chou) dynasty as ex.

                       2.         Clear set hierarchy (III, 19; XII, 1; XVI, 2; XVII, 18)

                       3.         Development of high culture for intelligentsia and nobles  (XII, 24)

D.    Past nostalgia

                       1.         A when I was a young man moment – Study to impress others (XIV, 24)

                       2.         Old horses reins allowed, but no longer are

  III.         The New Confucian Way

A.     The Way – Entirely new concept à “correct” path (I, 8)

                       1.         Meaning of life (IV, 8)

B.     Dynamic and adjusting to new situations

                       1.         No specific claims of benevolence

                       2.         Against inflexibility (XIV, 32)

                       3.         Changing rites based on majority situation (IX, 3)

C.     Society Structure

D.    Emphasis on self improvement and education

                       1.         Seek to be worthy of appreciation (IV, 14)

                       2.         Humility in poverty (IV, 9; VI, 11)

   IV.         Unique mix of the two values – Keeping old traditions, but calling for social reform

     V.         Arguments for Confucian conservatism

A.     Graham on Confucius

   VI.         Arguments against Confucian conservatism

A.     D.C. Lau on Confucius

Power of both arguments à indicate the dual appeal of both reform, but not too much of it