Confucian theory of virtue

 

A. Virtues toward others

1. Faithful (1:4, 1:8)

2. Virtues of jen: serious, generous, sincere, diligent, and kind

3. Reciprocity (altruism, likening-to-others: the Silver Rule): What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others (5:11, 12:2, 15:23)

4. Repay kindness with kindness, injury with justice (14:36)

B. Virtues toward family, friends

1. Filial piety: obedience, reverence, service to parents and elders

2. Fraternal submission: service, truthworthiness to equals

3. These obligations override others (13:18)

4. These virtues are the root of jen (1:2)

C. Virtues of Self

(Knowledge--> Virtuous thought --> Virtuous feelings --> Virtuous action)

1. Knowledge

a. love learning

b. know "way" (tao: 15.28, 1.14, 1.15, 11.11.)

2. Thought

a. sincere

b. humble

3. Feeling (love virtue: love way, delight in way)

4. Action

a. careful, slow in speech

b. mild, at ease, composed, warm, satisfied

c. earnest, respectful, dignified, majestic

d. not partisan, not small-minded, not concerned with gain; follows what is right


Virtues are means between extremes.

For example, a generous person gives to others the right amount, in the right circumstances, to the right person, and for the right reason


Nine virtues as means between extremes

Too little

Right

 

Too much

 

frivolous

serious

somber

stingy

generous

profligate

insincere

sincere

reckless

lazy

diligent

workaholic

mean, indifferent

kind

indulgent

disrespectful

respectful

obsequious

careless

careful

timid

timid

bold

insubordinate

devious

straightforward

rude

 

 

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