The Philosophy of Socrates and Confucius - 2711 Words

Socrates and Confucius Philosophy is the study of the nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. The occupation of the philosopher is in trying to understand the world around us, trying to determine the truth of the world and of humanity, and essentially to explain things which are more or less unexplainable. Certain issues have fascinated philosophers because they are universal and apply to all human beings regardless of class, gender, ethnicity, religion, or age. The concepts of human existence, why humans exist and what makes them exist are often discussed by philosophers. Perhaps the only concept which appears more frequently in philosophic writings than the topic of existence is the ideas about life and death. All human beings will eventually die; it is the one thing in life which is absolutely certain. This concept was the basis for much of the writings of the great thinker Socrates. Given his beliefs about the nature of life and death, it is no surprise that when he was sentenced to death by the G reek authorities; he did not run nor beg for mercy, but instead took the poison and died as the court had ruled he must. In doing so, he was affirming both his belief in the state and in the hereafter. Since he did not belief that the soul ever ended, it makes sense that he did not see his death as a horrendous punishment as many do. In Ancient Greece, one of the most preeminent philosophers of the society was Socrates who was eventually too powerful in his ability toShow MoreRelatedEastern and Western Philosophers Comparison1063 Words   |  5 PagesWestern philosophy is one of the ways the ideas differed. Western philosophy is generally based on logic and reasoning while Eastern philosophy is more closely related to religion and personal growth and choices. Socrates was a great western philosopher who mastered humility and understood the importance of knowledge. Confucius was an Eastern philosopher who as well understood the importance of knowledge as well as humanity. Socrates was a Western philosopher. His method to philosophy was knownRead MoreThe Political Theories Of The Notorious Philosophers- Confucius959 Words   |  4 PagesThe political theories of the notorious philosophers— Confucius, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Marx, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau— have significantly impacted the American Political System of today through their timeless appeal. If these philosophers were alive today, what would their perception be of the American Political System to date? Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, in 551 BCE - 479 BCE created Confucianism, centered upon restoring â€Å"peace and order.† According to Simon WorrallRead MoreSocrates And Confucius As Teachers3484 Words   |  14 PagesSocrates and Confucius as Educators Neither Confucius nor Socrates were regarded widely in their lifetimes as highly valuable and distinguished men. Their fates were colored with tragic hues, but their ethics have survived them and become immortalized as treasures of world culture. Socrates had a formative influence on Western philosophy, and he emphasized logical method, the meaning of human experience, and the quest for eudaimonia through moral excellence. His famous paradox, that no one does wrongRead MoreConfucius, Aristotle, Aquinas, And Erasmus1713 Words   |  7 PagesConfucius, Plato, Aristotle, Quintilian, Aquinas, and Erasmus As a Christian educator, it is important to base educational practices on Biblical authority. Christian education should teach students to learn to act like God and to do His work (Graham, 2003). â€Å"True education is to develop knowledge of God and His created reality and to use that knowledge in exercising a creative-redemptive dominion over the world . . . â€Å" (Graham, 2003, p. 57). Being a Christian educator, does not mean that organizationalRead MoreComparison between Classical Athens and Han China1005 Words   |  5 PagesAthens-related text is the Dialogue of Socrates and Crito in Prison. Socrates was charged with crimes by the Athenian government and accepts the punishments for his actions. Socrates feels that everyone who lives in a city-state should know the laws, and, confirmed by living in that area, is willing to accept any punishments at the hand of the state. Both of the Athenians stress the importance of devotion to the state through obeying laws and parti cipation in government. Socrates had a high moral standard ofRead More Plagiarism Essay2916 Words   |  12 Pagesis and ought. Socrates and Confucius, we have read, would agree that assimilation is necessary for education and for being moral, but, as I will show, consider that plagiarism is immoral. To understand Socrates view on plagiarism, we must first understand the basis for what he considers moral. Morality, Socrates believes, is that which induces happiness and is in our best, long-term interest and that to live unpleasantly is immoral or evil (Plato 1956, pg.56). Furthermore, Socrates believes thatRead MoreThe Question of Socrates Obedience3243 Words   |  13 Pagesï » ¿The Question of Socrates Obedience, Supported by Confucius Introduction Is it right to act in ones own best interest, or to obey the state? In other words, was Socrates right to obey the orders of the state of Athens to take poison, or should he have acted to preserve his own life by choosing exile or escaping? In The Trial and Death of Socrates, the question is posed to the philosopher whether it is right to act in ones own best interest or to obey the State. Crito argues that the StatesRead MoreSimilarities Between Socrates And Confucius818 Words   |  4 PagesTitle The texts of Socrates and Confucius examine what it means to live the good life. Although, the texts have similarities, especially in clarifying what the good life isn’t, their philosophies on how to obtain the good life differ greatly. Additionally, the two texts are even ambiguous on what living the good life truly means, so it is first necessary to identify what the good life is. The philosophies share the thought that following the instructions to live the good life will benefit theRead More Confucian Philosophy and Corporate Responsibility1630 Words   |  7 Pagestraditions are heavily concerned with responsibility and societal harmony while others are far more preoccupied with free choice and individual rights. Looking to Confucianism, the philosophy of Confucius (or King fu-tzu), one can see a philosophy that places a great deal of emphasis on human responsibility. Confucius is, in fact, the most influential thinker in human history if influence were to be measured by the number of people who have lived in accordance with a philosopher’s vision. (Ames,Read MorePlato and Confucius4610 Words   |  19 Pagesshaped the moral philosophy of their respective cultures. While Western ethical theory has been deeply influenced by Plato’s Republic, Eastern ethical theory has been deeply influenced by Confucius’s Analects. David Haberman describes the Republic as ‘one of the most influential books of all time’ (86). And Bryan Van Norden compares (with considerable fervor) the Analects to ‘the combined influence of Jesus and Socrates’ (3). On the surface, there are many similarities between Confucius and Plato. Both