Course Description

Confucius and Mencius are two of the most influential philosophers in Chinese culture. They both lived during the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE), and their teachings have profoundly impacted Chinese society for over two millennia. Confucius, also known as Kong Qiu, born in 551 BCE, was a philosopher, politician, and educator who believed in the power of education to transform individuals and society. His ideas about education and social order significantly impacted Chinese society. His teachings are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture and are still highly valued today. Mencius, born in 372 BCE, was a philosopher who expanded on Confucius' teachings. Mencius believed that human nature was inherently good and that the environment could corrupt it. He believed a ruler's duty was to create a just and moral society by setting an example and promoting education. In this lecture, we delve into the viewpoints of both Confucius and Mencius and discuss their relevance today. Space is limited.