Confucius And Aristotle On Virtue - 1318 Words

Confucius and Aristotle on Virtue This essay compares two philosophers of two very different and distinct backgrounds. Confucius’s ideas were developed as a result of his involvement and manifestation in the ancient Chinese culture while Aristotle’s ideas were a result of his absorption and existence in the ancient Greek culture. Subsequently, both philosophers touched on subjects of a similar nature quite frequently, so as, what constitutes virtue or good ethical character and conduct. According to Dictionary.com virtue â€Å"is the conformity of one’s life and conduct to moral and ethical principles†. Aristotle s define virtue in the Nicomachaen Ethics (NE) (The Golden Mean) as a form of knowledge that is â€Å"relative to us† and is shown to us by phron’sis a concept that has instructive parallel with Confucian yi; hence, Confucius definition or comment of virtue were scattered all over the Analects, due to the fact that it was not presented as a formal catalog. Confucius had four to five central virtues supported in the beliefs of Confucianism; these are courage, justice, humanity, temperance, wisdom and transcendence. The research showed that Aristotle and Confucius shared similarity with four core virtues: First, Courage according to Aristotle is â€Å"not exactly the same for each person, because the mean is relative to the individual†, therefore one person courage might be slightly more towards rashness, and for the anot her it might lie slightly in the other direction, whileShow MoreRelatedEssay about Confucius and Aristotle on Virtue953 Words   |  4 PagesConfucius and Aristotle on Virtue Lisa Wilson Dr. Malone Date 12/5/2015 Confucius and Aristotle are some of the greatest thinkers in the history of mankind. While Confucius was born in China and spearheaded a new way of perceiving morality, Aristotle was born in Macedon/Greece and also immersed his philosophical work to addressing moral thinking.Both philosophers have addressed similar subjects with major points of divergence and convergence.Read MoreVirtue: Comparing the Views of Confucius and Aristotle Essay2072 Words   |  9 PagesVirtue Title Page Virtue: Comparing the Views of Confucius and Aristotle: Bernadette C. Townsend Humanities 101, {019016} Fall 2005 Ââ€" 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 accomplishmentsRead MoreThe Philosophies Of Aristotle And Confucius978 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is virtue? The philosophies of Aristotle and Confucius establish virtue as a moral trait that encompasses love, courage, good manners, and happiness. To achieve virtue, one must display qualities of altruism and promote benevolence in every action. The virtuous person lives by a high moral standard that is achieved through the habitual conditioning of disposition. Temperament is trained by recurrently choosing the best course of action or the one that causes the least amount of pain or sufferingRead MoreThere Are Several Similarities Between Aristotle And Confucius1499 Words   |  6 PagesThere are several similarities between Aristotle and Confucius on the concept of friendship.   Both viewed friendship as a relations hip between virtuous and trustworthy friends who understand each other s character.   According to Aristotle and Confucius, virtue is essential when friends   are able to share their lives with one another during the time of fortune and misfortunes.   For this leads them to live happily, joyfully, and harmoniously as friends. Aristotle posited that, â€Å"The perfect form of friendshipRead MoreSimilarities Between Confucius And Confucius1391 Words   |  6 PagesCompare and Contrast the Concept of Friendship according to Aristotle and Confucius. Confucius and Aristotle both examined the concept of friendship. Since they lived in vastly different societies, one would expect that their concepts would be dissimilar. Surprisingly they are also similarities. The two traditions’ thoughts on friendship are from two perspectives, virtue and trustworthiness. There are some similarities between Aristotle and Confucius on the concept of friendship. Both viewed friendshipRead Mor eAristotle versus Confucius Essay1806 Words   |  8 Pagescontrast the philosophy of Aristotle with that of Confucius. This is with a clear concentration on the absolute functions of these philosophies and how they take care of the particular responsibility of a person and the broader society and the resultant effects on societies (Barnes, 1995). The teachings according to Confucius refer to Confucianism. Confucianism is the multifarious classification of ethical, collective, political and pious philosophy developed by Confucius and the old Chinese practicesRead MoreThe Freedom of Habituation722 Words   |  3 Pagescharacteristics we take upon ourselves, or rather personal virtues, is a free choice. We choose our responses to stimuli, and eventually this habituation allows us to act within a set of bounds conforming to our identity and gives us even greater freedom by releasing us from the pain of indecision. By acting in accordance with our set of personal virtues, not only is one free through their choices, but they are also happy. If these compiled virtues are the ultimate freedom, the main goal of a person shouldRead MorePros And Cons Of Ethical Egoism1299 Words   |  6 Pagescruel the world would be if Ethical Egoism were to be adopted. Confucianism and the Analects In comparison, Confucius had a much less radical view in The Analects, one that aligns better with our common sense. Confucianism revolves around â€Å"ren† and â€Å"li†, and puts an emphasis on filiality and humility. Filiality is the capacity for gratitude, repayment and etiquette toward one’s parents. Confucius said: â€Å"A young man should be filial within his home and respectful of elders when outside, should be carefulRead MoreA Balance Approach On Eastern And Western Civilizations786 Words   |  4 PagesChines ethical society Confucius and Socrates would say that the loyalty and justice would conflict with each other and the argument would be universal.1Many questions would come to attention, such as would it be wrong to protect a family member no matter how serious the trouble was.1In Western tradition, Plato’s ideas are used to make pre- theoretical decesions.1However, Confucius’ ideas on virtue are used in China.1Chines culture is ce ntered on a man’s character and virtue, knowing when to do theRead MoreThe Tuskegee Syphilis And Unethical Behavior2026 Words   |  9 Pageshand is seen in the actions and in the rituals of the doctors presiding over this experiment. Ancient philosophers such as Confucius and Aristotle would agree with this ethical issue. Confucius’s role ethics will show that the doctors were deficient in performing their roles properly, and Aristotle’s virtue ethics will show that the doctors are not acting in accordance with virtue. Therefore, the doctors were acting in an unethical capacity. The Tuskegee Syphilis trials targeted African American males