Confucianism: basics

In short: Confucianism is a Chinese teaching tracing back to the scholar Confucius that centres on ethics, social harmony, and proper conduct. It shaped East Asian culture over millennia.

In more detail: Confucius lived in the 6th and 5th centuries BCE and saw himself more as a teacher than as a founder of a religion.

In detail

• Ren (humaneness): This central concept describes benevolence, compassion, and respectful treatment of other people.
• Five relationships: Confucian ethics defines clear, hierarchical duties between ruler and subject, father and son, and other roles.
• Education and self-cultivation: Lifelong learning and moral self-improvement are seen as a central task for every person.
• Filial piety: Respect and care for one’s own parents and ancestors are fundamental values.
• Social harmony: According to Confucius, stability arises when everyone conscientiously fulfils their role in society.
• Influence on examination systems: For centuries, Confucian knowledge shaped the civil service examinations in imperial China.
• Modern significance: Confucian values such as emphasis on education and respect for elders still shape East Asian societies today (was-ist-philosophie, ethik-grundlagen-gut-und-richtig).