Confucianism : an introduction

Bibliographic Information

Confucianism : an introduction

by Ronnie L. Littlejohn

(I.B. Tauris introductions to religion)

I.B. Tauris, 2011

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Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [215]-225) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

It is arguably Confucianism, not Communism, which lies at the core of China's deepest sense of self. Although reviled by Chinese intellectuals of the 1950s-1990s, who spoke of it as 'yellow silt clotting the arteries of the country', Confucianism has defied eradication, remaining a fundamental part of the nation's soul for 2500 years. And now, as China assumes greater ascendancy on the world economic stage, it is making a strong comeback as a pragmatic philosophy of personal as well as corporate transformation, popular in both home and boardroom. What is this complex system of ideology that stems from the teachings of a remarkable man called Confucius (Kongzi), who lived in the distant sixth century BCE? Though he left no writings of his own, the oral teachings recorded by the founder's disciples in the 'Analects' left a profound mark on later Chinese politics and governance. They outline a system of social cohesiveness dependent upon personal virtue and self-control. For Confucius, society's harmony relied upon the appropriate behaviour of each individual within the social hierarchy; and its emphasis on practical ethics has led many to think of Confucianism as a secular philosophy rather than a religion. In this new, comprehensive introduction, Ronnie Littlejohn argues rather that Confucianism is profoundly spiritual, and must be treated as such. He offers full coverage of the tradition's sometimes neglected metaphysics, as well as its varied manifestations in education, art, literature and culture.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Preliminary Considerations and Conventions Chapter I: The World into which Confucius Came Chapter II: What Confucius Taught Chapter III: The Formation of Classical Confucianism Chapter IV: Confucian Ascendancy in the Han Dynasty Chapter V: Blending Confucianism with Other Worldviews Chapter VI: Confucianism and Challenges from a Foreign Land Chapter VII: The Renaissance Period of Confucianism Chapter VIII: Conversations with Master Zhu Chapter IX: Confucianism in New Homes and New Hearts Chapter X: The Contemporary Period A Quick Guide to Pronunciation Illustrations, Maps and Picture Credits Glossary of Titles Glossary of Names and Terms Works Cited

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Details

  • NCID
    BB23211491
  • ISBN
    • 9781848851733
  • Country Code
    uk
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    London
  • Pages/Volumes
    xxiv, 231 p.
  • Size
    23 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
  • Parent Bibliography ID
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