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.

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.

Five Great Relationships

The Crux of Confucian Society

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.

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.

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.

Friend-Friend

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

Ruler-Subject

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

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.