Confucianism - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages According to Confucius, a good governance system should have high respect for traditions and age, encourage group efforts, and appreciate hierarchy of control and morality. He acknowledged the need for social harmony and orderliness of social activities. This would only be achieved if every person acknowledges his social rank and behaves according to his rank. This is based on his phrase “A place for everyone and everyone in his place”. In this regard, Confucius developed an interdependent relationship structure that had lower rank individuals give obedience to their colleagues in the higher ranks. In addition, he also introduced a horizontal relationship system characterized by great trust between family members and friends. This led to great regard of age and authority in the society (Yong, 18).
Integration of the Confucianism in the education system would ensure that students highly respect age and authority, strengthen their family and friendship ties; ensure politeness within the society (Yong, 18). Secondly, Confucianism advocates for “collectivism” that is evidenced in the modern Chinese society today, compared to “individualism” of the western society. Group membership and collective operation of individuals is usually in terms of their families, their community, clan and ultimately their nation. This ensures modesty and humility. If integrated in the U.S. education system it ensures that students learn the importance of humility and social responsibility resulting to the well being of the entire society (Yong, 18).
Confucianism additionally holds high regards scholarship knowledge, integrity and education. The meritocracy resulted to introduction of written imperial examination system. Anyone who proved worth and passed this examination was allowed to be a government official. Confucius’ philosophy on education was that social harmony would be achieved if availed to all people irrespective of ...Download file to see next pagesRead More