Final answer:
Confucianism advocates for education and moral development as the key to social reform, with a focus on self-cultivation and adherence to social norms to create a harmonious society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Confucianism advocates for education and moral development of individuals as the only means to social reform. By focusing on the personal integrity and moral development of those in power, Confucius believed that an ethical and harmonious society could be achieved.
This perspective was reinforced by his emphasis on the importance of hierarchical, orderly relationships and the responsibility of rulers to serve the welfare of the people. Through a continuous process of self-improvement and adherence to social norms, Confucianism seeks to cultivate virtuous leaders who will shape a moral society.
Education, as emphasized by Confucius and his later followers, was perceived not only as a means to gaining knowledge but as an essential pathway to self-cultivation. The idea is that through the commitment to learning and ritual correctness, individuals can develop the necessary virtues to fulfill their roles and obligations within a hierarchical society, thus contributing to overall social stability and prosperity.
In contrast to Legalism, which advocated for clear laws and strict punishments to maintain order, Confucianism promoted the idea that proper education and moral cultivation, particularly of the ruling classes, were far more effective in achieving and maintaining social harmony.
This notion is encapsulated in concepts such as ren (humanness or benevolence), li (proper ritual and conduct), and the idea of the dao (the way), which together form the roadmap to individual and thus societal perfection.