Study Questions

on The Analects of Confucius

Be prepared to write an essay on the following problems based on the Analects. Read the Analects (pp. 83-233 in the instructor's edition) and answer the questions with the intention of better understanding the nature of traditional Chinese civilization. In some cases, the footnotes (to the Introduction or the Additional Notes) may lead one to better understanding of Master K'ung's meaning.

1. How does the Analects promote and justify the traditional Chinese social structure, about which we are learning in class and the textbook? Relate the teaching about the 'gentleman', the 'knight of the Way', and 'moral force' to your answer. What is goodness, or a good man, according to K’ung?

2. What are 'moral force', 'ritual', and 'rites and music'? Why are they so important to Master K'ung? How do these teachings relate to government and what sort of government (political structure) do they promote? What is a good ruler?

3. What are 'moral force', 'ritual', and 'rites and music'? Why are they so important to Master K'ung? What is a good man, according to K’ung? How do these teachings relate to traditional Chinese morals and social structure.

4. What is good government and how can it be attained, according to Master K'ung? What sort of people will run a Confucian government? Confucian government would be government of whom, by whom, and for whom?

5. What is the Master's view of money, pay, accumulation, and material reward? Do his views fit with modern capitalistic values or with modern assumptions about properly motivating people to be productive and useful to society?

[6. How does this wisdom of Master K'ung compare and contrast with that of Plato?]

Terms: the Way; Gentleman; Knight of the way; Te, Moral force; Son of heaven; Ritual; Rites and music; Confucian golden rule; Piling up moral force; diligent in public life; courteous in private life; loyal in relationships; migrates to where right prevails; conciliatory but not accommodating; Good man; and Good ruler (politician).