School of Thought
Confucianism
Confucianism is the ethical and philosophical tradition founded on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing virtue, ritual, family loyalty and the cultivation of a harmonious, well-ordered society.
More a moral and social philosophy than a religion, Confucianism shaped the governments, education and family life of China and East Asia for over two thousand years.
Confucianism is the moral and social philosophy founded by Confucius in the Zhou dynasty. At its heart is the conviction that a good society grows from cultivated individuals — that ethics, not merely law, holds a community together.
Its central virtues — ren (benevolence), li (ritual propriety) and filial piety — guided the education, bureaucracy and family life of ancient China and the wider East Asian world for more than two millennia, an influence that endures today.
Core Ideas
- Ren (benevolence / humaneness)
- Li (ritual propriety)
- Filial piety and respect for elders
- The cultivation of virtue by the 'gentleman' (junzi)
Founders
Key Figures of Confucianism
Confucius
97Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and teacher whose ideas on ethics, family and good government became the foundation of Confucianism and shaped East Asian civilization for over two thousand years.
Confucius
97Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and teacher whose ideas on ethics, family and good government became the foundation of Confucianism and shaped East Asian civilization for over two thousand years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Confucianism?
Confucianism is the ethical tradition founded by Confucius that emphasizes personal virtue, ritual, family loyalty and harmonious social order; it profoundly shaped East Asian civilization.
Is Confucianism a religion?
Confucianism is primarily an ethical and social philosophy rather than a religion, though it has religious dimensions and has been practiced alongside other faiths.