Document Type
Book Chapter
Date of Original Version
2018
Department
Communication Studies
Abstract
As a great educator and philosopher in China, Confucius attempted to resurrect Chinese social values for a harmonious society in the chaotic time of the Spring and Autumn period in Chinese history. His teachings mainly focus on the establishment of an ethical system, embedded in the four concatenated concepts of ren” (humanism, love, benevolence, compassion), “yi” (righteousness, right action), “li” (rite, propriety), and “zhi” (wisdom), through the process of learning and education. In other words, Confucius advocated that harmony is the axle of the wheel of Chinese culture, and “ren”, “yi”, and “li” are the three spokes of the wheel; and “zhi” (wisdom) is the force that motives a person to internalize “ren”, “yi”, and “li” through learning process to move the wheel of harmony. Through his efforts, Confucianism was founded and continues to influence people’s life in China and East Asian countries today. Confucian humanism also shows a great potential for being a source for shaping the global ethics in this highly interconnected human society.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
An Encyclopedia of Communication Ethics
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Chen, G. M. (2018). Communication ethics: Confucius. In R. C. Arnett, A. M. Holba, & S. Mancino (Eds.), An Encyclopedia of Communication Ethics (pp. 101-105). New York: Peter Lang. https://doi.org/10.3726/b13449
Available at: https://doi.org/10.3726/b13449
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