Notes: Confucius (Kongzi)

1. The Harmony of the Cosmos (Heaven - Tian 天) is reflected in the harmony of human society

2. Power: De (virtue) [similar to Aristotle: virtus]: power expressed by all of creation, not just human beings’ morality.

3. Ritual practices are orchestrated by the Emperor and his advisor (this is the role Confucius envisioned for himself) in a society that has elements of BOTH Hierarchy and Equality

4. The virtue of Filial Piety: The father-son, parent-child relation as the foundation of a child’s moral life.

5: De, virtue: Individual Moral Charisma versus Ritually instilled virtue: like “magic” effected at a distance