First Writing Assignment
In this section of the course, we have studied the works of Socrates and Confucius.
Please write a philosophical (not a bio) essay to examine the similarities or differences
between them. Your essay must discuss the following three issues: 1) What are their
moral commitments (the beliefs that they would not compromise even at the cost of life)?
2) What are their religious beliefs (the nature of their gods); 3. What are their views on
wisdom and virtue?
The following are the specific detail you must have to discuss for these issues.
1. Moral commitments. Socrates was unwilling to renounce his commitment to
searching for wisdom, examining himself and others, and exhorting others to live
virtuously and attend to their souls. Explain the reason why he has to do so.
Confucius was also unwilling to surrender his commitment to following the dao
and ‘transmitting’ ancestors’ wisdom even when his life and well-being are under
threat. (cf. Analects 7.1, 9.5, and 4,5.) Explain Confucius’ justification for his act.
2. Religion. For Socrates’ religion, you need to discuss his metaphor of gadfly, his
divine sign, and his determination to obey the laws of gods. In Confucius ‘case,
he was also believed to carry a divine mission (cf. Analects 3.24). Confucius also
lamented about how Tian (Heaven) may respond to what he is doing (cf. 6.28,
7.23, 6.28, 14.35). What is the similarity and difference between the two?
3. Wisdom and virtue. For Socrates’ theory of wisdom, discuss the meaning of the
Delphic oracle. For Confucius ‘view of wisdom, review 2.15, and 2.17. For
Socrates’ view on virtue, you should discuss what he means by “unexamined life
is not worth living,” and how wisdom make us virtuous. For Confucius view on
virtue please review 6.30, and 15.24., 4.15, and other virtue concepts such as
following Li, xiao, and the life of Junzi (the exemplary person, gentleman). On
these two issues, it is important to do some reflective thinking about the questions
such as how to achieve wisdom and virtue for both Socrates and Confucius.
Essays must be double-spaced in 12 point standard font (such as Times New Roman or
Calibri), with 1” margins, and must have numbered pages..