Question 1

Rosemont says that Western moral thought focuses solely on what you did and why you did it, whereas Confucian moral thought focuses on what you did and with whom you did it. Explain why the question of "with whom you did it" is so important in Confucian thought. Is this really a significant difference from Western thought? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Rosemont says that Western moral thought focuses...

Question 2

Explain how Confucian rituals (li) can both constrain our actions and be, as Rosemont says, "the vehicle by means of which we express our uniqueness."

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Question 3

Compare and contrast Confucian moral philosophy with the philosophy of Aristotle, John Stuart Mill, Immanuel Kant, Virginia Held, or Buddha. Explain one important way in which the two philosophies overlap and one important way in which they differ.

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Question 4

According to Rosemont, Confucius is more a religious figure than a philosopher.

Accepted Answer

Confucius is typically regarded as a philosopher, not a religious figure. While his teachings do have spiritual and moral dimensions, he did not focus on matters of worship or ritual.

Question 5

Confucian philosophy emphasizes each person's social relationships in determining what actions are appropriate for that person.

Accepted Answer

Confucianism is based on the idea that individuals should maintain proper relationships with other members of society, such as family, friends, and rulers, and that ethical behavior is achieved by fulfilling these social obligations. Therefore, social relationships play a crucial role in determining the appropriate actions for a person.

Question 6

In Confucian moral philosophy, all you need to know to figure out how one person should behave toward another is the social roles that the two people occupy.

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Question 7

According to Rosemont, Confucius believes that outward observance of ritual (li) is more important than having the correct emotions.

Accepted Answer

Confucius emphasized that the correct performance of ritual (li) must be accompanied by the appropriate inner feelings and attitudes. He believed that external observance without the correct internal emotions was not sufficient.

Question 8

Confucius believes that the purpose of rituals is to suppress individuality for the social good.

Accepted Answer

Confucius believed that rituals (li) help cultivate personal virtue and proper conduct, which in turn contributes to social harmony and individual development, rather than suppressing individuality.

Question 9

Confucian ritual (li) governs both official ceremonies and everyday private interactions.

Accepted Answer

Confucian ritual, also known as li, plays a significant role in both official ceremonies and everyday private interactions in traditional Chinese society. It involves a set of social norms, practices, and etiquette that guide individuals in their behavior towards others and in their relationships with different social groups. Therefore, it is true that Confucian ritual governs both official ceremonies and everyday private interactions.

Question 10

Confucius believes that we need only be concerned with those with whom have particular social relationships, such as our parents, siblings, coworkers, etc.

Accepted Answer

Confucius emphasized the importance of relationships in society, including broader social and civic responsibilities, not just particular or personal relationships. He advocated for the cultivation of virtues that would benefit society as a whole, such as respect, loyalty, and filial piety, which extend beyond immediate personal relationships.

Question 11

Rosemont's primary goal in this chapter is to

Accepted Answer

Throughout the chapter, Rosemont discusses various central concepts of Confucian moral philosophy, such as the importance of relationships, the cultivation of virtue, and the idea of li. He does not focus solely on explaining specific principles, nor does he directly contrast Confucian and Western moral philosophy or explore the overlap between Confucian philosophy and Aristotelian virtue ethics.

Question 12

According to Rosemont, rituals (li) are important in Confucian moral philosophy because

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Rosemont, rituals (li) are important...

Question 13

According to Rosemont, the primary difference between Western and Confucian views of the self is that

Accepted Answer

According to Rosemont, Confucians believe that the self is defined primarily by relationships to other people, which is in contrast to the Western view of the self as an individual entity. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of harmonious relationships and social roles in shaping an individual's identity.

Question 14

According to Rosemont, which of the following best captures the Confucian view of the connection between emotion, rituals (li), and morality?

Accepted Answer

According to Rosemont, the Confucian view is that acting appropriately (morality) requires observing the proper rituals (li) with the proper emotion. This choice is best captured in option C.

Question 15

According to Rosemont, Confucius says that your most important social role is

Accepted Answer

According to Rosemont, Confucius believes that one's most important social role is as a son or daughter to their parents. This is because Confucianism places a strong emphasis on the family and filial piety, which involves a deep respect for one's parents and ancestors.

Question 16

According to Rosemont, the Confucian "exemplary person" (jun zi) is

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Question 17

Rosemont gives the example of shaking hands with someone for the first time in order to

Accepted Answer

Rosemont uses the example of shaking hands with someone for the first time to illustrate the kinds of things involved in Confucian rituals (li). He describes the specific steps of this ritual, such as making eye contact, smiling, and bowing slightly, and how these actions show respect and establish social harmony.

Question 18

Which of the following Western philosophers' views most resemble Confucian moral philosophy?

Accepted Answer

Confucian moral philosophy emphasizes the cultivation of virtues and the importance of leading a life of ethical excellence. Aristotle's virtue ethics also emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtues and character as the means to leading a good and flourishing life. Both Confucianism and Aristotelianism hold that ethical behavior is not solely a matter of obeying rules or principles but requires the exercise of practical wisdom and judgment.

Question 19

How is Confucius described in the text? What were the primary teachings of Confucius?

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Question 20

Describe the Confucian principle of humanity. Do you think that this is a good moral principle? Why or why not?

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Quiz 6: Moral Theory