Virtue: Comparing the Views of Confucius and Aristotle
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Virtue
Title Page
Virtue: Comparing the Views of Confucius and Aristotle:
Bernadette C. Townsend
Humanities 101, {019016} Fall 2005 Ð- Mini Session
Strayer University
Instructor: Professor David Allen
Outline
Virtue: Comparing the Views of Confucius and Aristotle;
Confucius Social Philosophy
This paper will explore and discuss the social and political philosophy of Confucius and Aristotle, the views on virtue. The paper will examine the craft and artistic accomplishments these two philosophers mastered. Furthermore, the paper will explore and compare the two views.
Achievements and Accomplishments:
What types of achievements did Confucius and Aristotle do?
Teachings by Confucius and Aristotle
Conclusion:
The achievements and accomplishments of Confucius and Aristotle were similar in the way that both were in the same era, yet different because the views for the most part focused on different areas in humanity. Both of these men endured similar poverty-stricken lives as young men. Both men became heroes and left legacies to large groups of followers.
References
Thesis:
The practice and beliefs Confucius and Aristotle suggested have shaped our country and the manner in
which we behave towards one another. Possessing virtue or a sort of charisma comes from being a
good person and treating others good.
The views on similar issues will be discussed and compared. The paper will examine the people that
each of these men influenced and the time period in which they influenced.
Furthermore, the paper will explore the influence the two men have on our government and society
today.
Confucius teachings were based on parameters established by Heaven. He believed that
men are responsible for their actions and should be held accountable for them.
Confuciuss social philosophy revolves around compassion and loving others. The Golden
Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” The practice or concept was
known as “ren”. I personally like the phrases that Confucius quotes in the (Lunyu 12.2, 6.30)
which is a collection of his sayings which states “Since you yourself desire standing then help
others achieve it, since you yourself desire success then helps others attain it”
Confucius father passed when he was young, which forced him into taking care of the
family. It appears that when a person is forced into poverty as Confucius was the outcome
forces you to become a hard worker and more ambitious in life. Born poor in China is
believed to have contributed to his willingness to instruct any one regardless of social class or
wealth. Confucius shared a belief that China had in the past enjoyed under the rule of sage
kings. Confucius held that these kings possessed a meaning “virtue that comes from being a
good person and that make others want to follow you. Aristotles views on social philosophy
suggest that there are some qualities and characteristics that a individual human being has to
have to be a good person. Like Confucius, Aristotles views was that of moral philosophy he
was concerned about character verses personality. Aristotle believed that good conduct arises
from habits that are repeated over a number of times.
I think both Aristotle and Confucius views on virtue have assisted in the shaping of our
society and our beliefs today in a way that many of the laws under the constitution are based on
their suggestions. Confucius seemed to believed that we are born with certain characteristics
while Aristotle believed that character is achieved not ascribed.
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher, logician and scientist while Confucius was a Chinese
philosopher. Some of the accomplishments credited to Confucius was the School of Scholars.
Aristotle is accredited for the Academy for gifted students, which later became schools for high
achievers.
From a modern perspective, Confuciuss views had limitations primarily on issues
concerning diversity , sexism and he did not show much interest in technology or natural science
while Aristotle did show an interest in these areas. Some of the teaching that Confucius taught
that we practice today include humaneness or benevolence. Confucius stresses that we must
encourage our superiors to act ethically and to lose their position if the ruler persists in unethical