Final answer:
Confucian philosophy sought to create social harmony through an ordered society where individuals knew their roles and through virtuous leadership, which involved leaders treating their subjects with empathy and integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two ways in which Confucian philosophy attempted to create social harmony were through the establishment of a structured, hierarchical society and the exemplification of virtuous leadership. First, Confucius advocated for a society where individuals understand their specific roles and relationships to one another, adhering to principles such as filial piety and loyalty to the ruler. This created a sense of order and moral responsibility among different societal roles. Second, Confucianism stressed the importance of leaders displaying virtuous behavior and moral integrity. Leaders were expected to be paragons of virtue and to treat their subjects with empathy and generosity, facilitating a harmonious society where each member performs their duties faithfully.
In Confucian philosophy, the moral responsibilities of individuals were shaped by their roles within five cardinal relationships: ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, elder brother and younger siblings, and friends. These relationships emphasized an exchange of respect, loyalty, and care, which were seen as essential for maintaining social harmony. Confucius also implicitly reinforced traditional social structures and norms which, despite creating a sense of stability, also perpetuated certain social injustices, such as the oppression of women.