One response to the question of where to seek meaning in life is simply: tradition! In this class, we’ll explore this method, and ask whether, and to what extent, tradition can be a source of meaning in life. To do this, we will turn to the Confucian tradition in classical Chinese philosophy, which placed a strong emphasis on familial obligations and conventional rituals as important ingredients in a good life.
Read This:
Stephen Angle – Growing Moral: A Confucian Guide to Life (excerpts)
Key Concepts:
- Filial piety
- Li
Have questions or thoughts about the reading? Post them on PollEverywhere, and upvote any classmates’ responses that you’d like to cover in class. We’ll address the most upvoted responses during the Q&A part of class.
Pre-Class Questions
Your responses to the following questions are due on Canvas before class. Your top 15 scores of the semester will count toward your final grade.
- In your own words, explain the Confucian concept of “filial piety” and identify at least two ways in which it contributes to the development of virtue, according to our reading.
- According to our reading, Confucian philosophers held that rituals play an important “disciplining” role. Explain this role in your own words.
- Choose one of the following questions to answer:
- Describe a situation where you had to “remonstrate gently” with a parental figure. How did you balance love and respect in that situation?
- Can you think of a ritual in your family or community that helps to “discipline” behavior? Describe its impact.
- In what ways do you think the concept of filial piety is relevant in today’s society? Describe a modern practice or belief where you see its influence.
Living the Good Life
Reflections addressing prompts from the Meaning unit (“Choose Your Meaning” through “Reflect On Your Death”) are due on Canvas by 11:59pm on December 13. You may write up to two “Living the Good Life” reflections in the first half of the semester and up to two in the second half of the semester. You can also revise and resubmit one reflection for a new grade, within one week after your grade is posted. Your top three scores will count toward your final grade.
Choose a “ritual” to participate in for three consecutive days. This can be a common social ritual or custom that you’d like to participate in more consistently, or it can be something more elaborate. At the end of your three days of participating in the ritual, write a reflection that addresses the following questions:
- How did the ritual you followed “discipline” you or those you interacted with? Give at least one specific example. Did you notice any other effects on yourself or on others?
- If you were to continue participating in this ritual as a regular part of your daily life, what do you think would be the main benefits and costs?
- Based on your experience, what conclusions can you draw about the pros and cons of Confucianism?
