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CONFUCIUS

• Born 551 BC in state of Lu (Shantung Province)

• Period of instability in Zhou dynasty

• Much of life’s history is legendary vs. factual

Basic Beliefs• Believed society would

improve if traditional focus on relationships and hierarchy were restored– Jen is the most important

virtue (“humanness” or benevolence, compassion, humanity)

• Believed in the good and perfectibility of the individual• through learning,

especially

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Confucian Relation-ships

• Five relationships must be maintained; • In these relationships, the “order” must

be honored and proper ritual followed:• Father-son• Elder-young• Husband-wife• Friend-friend• Ruler-Subject

Confucian Relation-ships

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• All relationships should be built on the principle of concern for someone else, with compassion and respect.

• Learning self-restraint requires mastering li• Li is the rules of behavior that honor those in a

higher social status and that will be looked upon admirably by others

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“Since you yourself desire standing [rank] then help others achieve it; since you your-self desire success then help others at-tain it.” (Lunyu 12.2, 6.30)

“Look at nothing in defiance of ritual, listen to nothing in defiance of ritual, speak of nothing in defiance or ritual, never stir hand or foot in defiance of ritual.“(Lunyu 12.1)

Confucius say…

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“If your desire is for good, the people will be good. The moral character of the ruler is the wind; the moral character of those beneath him is the grass. When the wind blows, the grass bends.” (Lunyu 12.19)

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Confucian Ideals seen in Culture

Obligation of son to parents Ancestor worship Collectivism Hierarchical worldview and

social structure Emphasis on education

Confucianism in Korean Culture

Introductions & Gift Giving– Bow– Business cards– Give/receive with both hands!

Personal contact “rules”– No PDA– Girls hold hands, arm-in-arm

3rd Party Arbitration– Reveals status/connections– Avoid conflict; social harmony

Laughter– Cover mouth!

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Last name First name– Lee Sung Il– Paternal last name– Woman keeps maiden name

Age & Status– Always respect elders– Know birthdays, age

No “I” in Korean– It is redundant; “we” valued

Always say “yes” (ne: nay)– Agree– “I understand”

Pour each others’ drink– Hand position important

Eldest eats first Metal spoon, chopsticks

– Eat rice with spoon– Never put chopsticks in

rice

One person pays bill, often the youngest

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Confucianism in Korean Culture: Dining

Education one of highest values in Korean society

“Education Fever” Elementary—mostly public

– Grades 1-6 Middle—70%+ public

– Grades 1-3 High School—30% public

– Grades 1-3 School day & week: long!

– ~7:30-6 pm (formal)– 6 pm-10 pm (private)– Saturday half-days

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Confucianism in Korean Culture: Education

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  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

6:30 a.m.

wake up    

 

7:30

school begins    

 

7:40–8:20morning meeting

with principal 

self-study or supplementary lessons (e.g., English, Korean, or Math)  

8:30–8:40morning meeting

  

  

9:00 Korean English MathMilitary Exercises

Korean Korean History

10:00 Foreign Language Korean Korean History English Earth Science Music

11:00 Math Music English Math English Chemistry

12:00 p.m. English World History KoreanPhysical Education

Physics  

12:50–1:30 lunch  

1:30 Physical Education Biology Art Korean Math  

2:30 Domestic Science Math Art Physics Chemistry  

3:30–4:20 World History Korean Literature Club Activities Class Meeting Music  

4:20–4:30 evening meeting  

4:30–4:50 classroom cleaning time  

5–10 /11 p.m. hagwon (a special study, or "cram" school) and/or self-study in the school library  

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Korean High School