Chinese philosophy

1. Explication (1,000 words)

• First, thoroughly but concisely explain the historical backgrounds, worldviews, and approaches to ethics, moral propriety, as well as social, political, philosophical, and religious ordering in the teachings of Kongzi 孔子 (Confucius), Mengzi 孟子 (Mencius), and Xunzi 荀子.
• Second, please define the key terms, ideas, and principles in the writings of Kongzi 孔子 (Confucius), Mengzi 孟子 (Mencius), and Xunzi 荀子. Use subheadings to separate each topic of discussion as needed.
• Third, compare and analyze critically the similarities and differences between Kongzi 孔子 (Confucius), Mengzi 孟子 (Mencius), and Xunzi 荀子. What do they agree upon? What do they disagree?

2. Comparison and contrast (300 words)

• In this section, compare and contrast what you summarized and explained in section #1 above with the realities of the contemporary U.S. society.
• Do the insights and perspectives of Kongzi 孔子 (Confucius), Mengzi 孟子 (Mencius), and Xunzi 荀子 have any relevance for the contemporary U.S. society?
• Are there areas where their perspectives fall short or are inadequate for today’s realities?
• What do the insights and perspectives of Kongzi 孔子 (Confucius), Mengzi 孟子 (Mencius), and Xunzi 荀子 enable you to see and analyze with regard to the contemporary U.S. society?
• What do they bring into focus?
• On the other hand, what do they prevent you from seeing, or leaving out of focus?

3. Conclusion (200 words)

• What have you learned from this exercise?
• Imagine that you could respond directly to Kongzi 孔子 (Confucius), Mengzi 孟子 (Mencius), and Xunzi 荀子 today.
• Write a concluding paragraph summarizing what you would want to tell them with regard to their moral-ethical and philosophical-religious perspectives and their relevance/non-relevance for the contemporary U.S. society.