Foundations of Classic Confucianism

Confucius (551–479 BC) solidified Confucianism as a school of philosophy. Mencius (372–289 BC) took it to a deeper level. Being human-centric is essential to both. Classic Confucianism focuses on the cultivation of the self as a way of bringing forth a better society filled with exemplary persons. Everyone should work hard at achieving sincerity ( cheng 誠 ), which must be coupled with kindness ( shan 善 ), so benevolence ( ren 仁 ) can be attained. The constant practice of these principles enables one to be an exemplary person ( junzi 君子 ), who would also help others to achieve the same. In classic Confucianism, music is integrated into everyone’s life and in every society. As one makes policies, designs curricula, plans lessons, grades assignments, meets parents, discusses issues, advocates for music, and so forth, the qualities of an exemplary person is expected.

Aesthetics · Kindness · Sincerity · Sociology · Theology · Chinese history and philosophy · Cultural Differences and Values · Education and Learning Interventions · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology · chinese · Chinese Philosophy · Instruction and study · Music · Music, instruction and study