Philippine E-Journals

Confucius on Virtues: Paradigm of Social and Moral Order

Eddie R. Babor

Discipline: Philosophy

 

Abstract:

This paper explores Confucius' concept of virtues. This is achieved by analyzing his thoughts on Ren, Zhong, Shu, Yi, Li, and Xiao. The paper seeks to apply Confucius's thoughts on these virtues as a paradigm for a transformed social and moral order. The paper argues that if Confucius' ideas on these virtues are applied, the world will be transformed into a more decent, just, and humane locus for all human beings to dwell. Ren, as human-heartedness, Zhong and Shu as the two ways through which Ren can be practiced, while Yi as rectitude or righteousness, with Li as propriety, and finally, with Xiao as devotion and respect to parents, there is no doubt that there will be no more chaos, disorder, conflict, and antagonism, but peace and harmony in the whole world.