开始时间: 04/22/2022 持续时间: 6 weeks
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所在平台: CourseraArchive 课程类别: 人文 大学或机构: Nanyang Technological University（南洋理工大学） 授课老师： Alan K. L. Chan |
课程主页: https://www.coursera.org/course/ntucp
课程评论：没有评论
Is Confucianism synonymous with Chinese culture? While it may be an overstatement to equate the two, there is little doubt that Confucianism pervades every level of Chinese culture and society. To be sure, other traditions such as Daoism and Buddhism have also left an indelible mark; nevertheless, Confucianism remains central to the shaping of the Chinese imagination. The influence of Confucianism extends beyond China to East Asia and through migration and cultural diffusion, other parts of the world. Confucianism traces its origins to the teachings of Confucius. What makes Confucius so special and what did he teach? This course will explore some of the key concepts in Confucian philosophy. Much of the discussion will centre on the Analects of Confucius, the foundational text of Confucian wisdom, although attention will also be given to the subsequent unfolding of the Confucian tradition. We will attempt to situate Confucian philosophy in its own context and to bring out its contemporary significance. Confucianism is a living tradition. Its vitality hinges on not only its continuing relevance in Chinese society but also its contribution to meeting the pressing global challenges confronting the world today. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Week 1
Introduction: The World of Confucius
Studying Confucian philosophy requires a disciplined and informed imagination. Confucius (or Kongzi, in Chinese) flourished in a time of great change and political turbulence. Some understanding of the world of early China would be critical, as Confucian ideas did not sprout from a historical vacuum. In this context, we will examine the Analects – known in Chinese as Lunyu – a compilation of sayings and conversations of Confucius that is essential to our understanding of Confucian philosophy.
Weeks 2-3
The Teachings of Confucius
The teachings of Confucius are perhaps best understood as a major philosophical renovation of the early Chinese intellectual scene. We will start with the cardinal concept of the junzi, the moral and cultural exemplar that stands at the heart of the Confucian vision. What are the characteristics of the ideal junzi? Can one become a junzi and if so, how can that be accomplished? In this context, some of the key Confucian ethical concepts such as ren (humaneness), li (propriety), and xiao (filial piety) will be introduced. Is there a spiritual dimension to Confucian philosophy, and does it have political relevance? There is much to discuss here, and we will return to the question of the impact of the Confucian vision on Chinese culture towards the end of this course.
Weeks 4-5
The Development of Confucianism
“Confucianism” is an abstract generalization. While it may serve as a convenient label, it must be used with care. What needs to be made clear is that the Confucian tradition is dynamic and harbours rich internal differences. In this part of the course, major landmarks in the development of Confucian philosophy will be introduced. These include the debate between Mengzi (or more commonly, in English, Mencius) and Xunzi on human nature, which is philosophically significant and also sets the stage for the subsequent development of Confucian thought. As Confucianism developed, interaction with the ideas of Daoism and Buddhism became increasingly important. Consequently, a new interpretation of Confucian philosophy came to dominate the Chinese scene from roughly the 12th century C.E. This has come to be known as “Neo-Confucianism.” We will discuss briefly some of its principal tenets.
Week 6
Confucianism and Chinese Culture Today
The influence of Confucianism on Chinese culture is one important issue, but equally important would be the potential contribution of Confucian philosophy to global dialogue. Is Confucianism still relevant today? What does Confucianism have to offer to contemporary society, which must confront a host of complex challenges? What can we learn from it?
Explore the world of Confucianism, its foundational teachings, the ways in which it continues to shape Chinese culture and society, and how it may respond to today’s global challenges.
