PDP5- Analects of Confucius

Context-

It is commonly thought that the analects of Confucius were written in 500BC, and became one of the most important texts in Chinese history. It soon spread to strongly influence Chinese culture as well as neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. Although not a religious text, it is rather a series of moral guidelines.


Motives and Bias of Author-

The author was Confucius and he was a well respected teacher, writer, and philosopher. It is often disputed whether he was born into poverty, however it is fact that he grew into a large influence on Chinese politics and traditional values. He writes because he wants to share his thoughts on individual compassion and respect during a time of deterioration of Chinese principals. Considering that the text is one of ideological nature, I think that source cannot be objectively credible or not because it is a matter of personal opinion.

Summarize

The second book of analects can be summed into the discussion of government, filial piety, and the character and education of a man.  The third book of analects, which is also included in the document, covers the value of virtue and the qualities of a 'superior' man. He supports his argument through the use of examples from his life and statements from 'The Master'. His audience is the Chinese people and it tells us about the fractured nation of China and the need for a reaffirmation of unity. It supports secondary and third sources in that it elaborates on the generalized terms of Confucianism.


Key Quotation-

"Be filial, only be filial and friendly towards your brothers, and you will contributing to govenrment".