PHIL 3920 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: The Emotions, Analects

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHIL 3920
• Professor: John Hacker- Wright

Document Summary

Attaining a political position, or some position in society. Kongzi and his disciples are dancing a delicate dance. They want to engage in society, but society has left the way. Thus, it would not be just to become wealthy in such a society (you would be selling out). You want to become good, and engage in society. This is what it means to become distinguished. The ideal is to be involved politically. There is a political heavy subtext in the analects. E. g. everyone kongzi talks to is either a politician, or wanting to influence a politician. Respect for elders is conditional upon their political place. Scholars bring the knowledge of the rites to the states. There is a defective character with him if doesn"t feel these things. The ritual is grounded in human nature: as kids we require the first three years of care. The emotions should reflect the level of care your parents gave you.