Question

When examined closely, Confucianism appears to be in opposition to the values one finds in European and American societies after the Enlightenment. Drag the following statements to identify them as either a Confucian or a post-enlightenment western value.

a) Social rituals and polite etiquette are to be valued as the bedrock upon which a harmonious society is built.
b) Because humans come into existence only through their role in society, they are obligated to engage in ritual propriety.
c) There is no independent self apart from one's position within their family and community.
d) One should always determine the appropriate action based on what is most beneficial to society, rather than what one personally desires.
e) The only one who should have a say in what you do and what your future will be like is you.

Answer 1

Confucian values like social rituals and hierarchical roles promote societal harmony, while post-Enlightenment values prioritize individual freedom and personal choice. These two sets of values represent contrasting philosophies with Confucianism focusing on social order and duty, and Enlightenment thought emphasizing self-determination.

Step-by-step explanation:

The following statements can be classified as representing either Confucian or post-enlightenment western values:

• Confucian values: a) Social rituals and polite etiquette are to be valued as the bedrock upon which a harmonious society is built. b) Because humans come into existence only through their role in society, they are obligated to engage in ritual propriety. c) There is no independent self apart from one's position within their family and community. d) One should always determine the appropriate action based on what is most beneficial to society, rather than what one personally desires.
• Post-enlightenment western values: e) The only one who should have a say in what you do and what your future will be like is you.

Confucianism emphasizes the role of social rituals, hierarchical structures, and family roles to maintain a well-ordered society. Its focus on social harmony and moral obligations within prescribed roles is evident in Confucius's teaching: “There is government, when the prince is prince, and the minister is minister; when the father is father, and the son is son” (Analects, 7:11). In contrast, the Enlightenment in Europe fostered individualism, personal freedom, and the power of reason over tradition, marking a shift from collective objectives to the rights and desires of the individual.