Professor’s Summary

Your essay on Confucianism demonstrates a commendable effort to engage with complex philosophical ideas and draw intriguing parallels between Eastern and Western thought. Your approach of comparing Confucianism to 19th-century American transcendentalism is original and shows intellectual curiosity. This comparative analysis allows for a fresh perspective on both philosophical traditions and showcases your ability to synthesize ideas across cultures and time periods.

Strengths:

1. Original comparative approach: Your connection between Confucianism and transcendentalism is innovative and thought-provoking.
2. Clear structure: The use of headings helps organize your thoughts and guides the reader through your argument.
3. Engagement with course material: You’ve effectively incorporated ideas from our discussions on 19th-century American literature.
4. Improved writing style: Your prose is more sophisticated and reflective compared to your earlier works this semester.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Depth of analysis: While your comparisons are interesting, they sometimes lack the depth needed for a comprehensive analysis. For instance, you could delve deeper into the specific teachings of Confucius and how they align with or differ from transcendentalist ideas.
2. Use of sources: Your essay would benefit from more direct engagement with primary sources. While you mention Thoreau and Emerson, direct quotes from their works would strengthen your arguments.
3. Historical context: Your essay touches on the historical context of Confucianism but could provide more detail about the specific social issues Confucius was addressing.
4. Critical perspective: While you argue for Confucianism as a philosophy rather than a religion, consider addressing counterarguments. Some scholars do view Confucianism as a religion – how would you respond to their perspective?
5. Conclusion: Your conclusion could be stronger. Consider discussing the implications of viewing Confucianism through a transcendentalist lens. How does this perspective enhance our understanding of both philosophical traditions?

Your Works Cited section is properly formatted, and I appreciate your inclusion of an online source. However, ensure that all listed sources are directly cited within your essay.

Overall, Max, this essay shows significant improvement in your critical thinking and writing skills. Your ability to draw connections between different philosophical traditions is impressive. To further enhance your work, focus on deepening your analysis and engaging more directly with primary sources.

Grade: A-

Confucianism: A Philosophy for Social Harmony

by
Max Michaels
UC Berkeley

The Nature of Confucianism

To me, Confucianism bears a striking resemblance to the transcendentalist philosophies I’ve encountered in 19th-century American literature. Much like Emerson’s self-reliance or Thoreau’s emphasis on individual conscience, Confucianism presents itself as a philosophy rather than a religion. It lacks the key characteristics that define most accepted religions.

Unlike the spiritual awakenings that sparked many religious movements, Confucianism wasn’t born from a quest to uncover the ultimate truth about our creation or creator. It doesn’t promise enlightenment in the Buddhist sense, nor does it center around belief in a deity or deities. Perhaps most notably, Confucianism doesn’t dwell on the afterlife, a common focal point in many religions.

Confucius: A Social Reformer

Confucius, like Thoreau observing the societal changes brought by the industrial revolution, saw a troubled world that he believed he could improve. He didn’t experience a great enlightenment or claim divine communication. Instead, he developed his ideas in response to the social turmoil of his time in China.

As Michael Molloy notes, “the time in which Confucius was born was a time of social turmoil because of the disintegration of the feudal system. Seeing families and individuals suffering from the social disorder, Confucius concluded that society would function properly only if virtues were taught and lived.” This reminds me of how Thoreau sought to address the societal issues of his time through his experiment at Walden Pond.

Human Potential and Social Responsibility

Confucius’s belief in human potential echoes the optimism I’ve found in transcendentalist writings. He taught that people don’t need divine intervention to solve social problems; instead, they are capable of changing themselves. This idea of self-improvement and social responsibility resonates with Emerson’s concept of self-reliance.

Confucius believed that becoming a great person comes through upholding one’s responsibilities and interacting meaningfully with others – family, teachers, friends, and even government officials. This emphasis on practical, lived experience rather than abstract meditation feels very much in line with Thoreau’s approach at Walden.

Education and Self-Cultivation

One of the most striking aspects of Confucianism, to me, is its strong emphasis on education and self-cultivation. This reminds me of the importance that transcendentalists placed on self-education and continuous learning. Confucius himself was a well-rounded, educated gentleman who became both a teacher and a government minister, much like how many transcendentalist thinkers were also educators and social reformers.

Confucianism as a Philosophy, Not a Religion

While temples were later built to honor Confucius, he was never revered as a god. These temples were expressions of appreciation rather than sites of worship. This further underscores the philosophical nature of Confucianism. Like the transcendentalists who sought to reform society through ideas rather than religious doctrine, Confucius aimed to address social problems through ethical philosophy.

In conclusion, Confucianism, with its focus on social harmony, self-improvement, and education, strikes me as a philosophy akin to the transcendentalist ideas I’ve studied in 19th-century American literature. Both sought to address societal issues through individual and collective ethical development rather than through religious doctrine. This approach to improving society through philosophy and education continues to be relevant in our ever-changing world.

Works Cited

Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “Self-Reliance.” Essays: First Series, 1841.

Molloy, Michael. “Experiencing the World’s Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change.” McGraw Hill Education, 2021.

Thoreau, Henry David. Walden. Ticknor and Fields, 1854.

Yao, Xinzhong. “Confucianism and Its Modern Relevance.” Asia Society, 2006, . Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.