Facts about Confucianism
One problem that has plagued Confucianism, through the ages, is the question of which set of texts is the more authentic; the "Old Script" texts tend to have greater acceptance.
approved of Confucian doctrine and sponsored Confucian scholars, eventually making Confucianism the official state philosophy (see Emperor Wu of Han).
The prevalence and orthodoxy of Confucianism (especially in its Song Neo-Confucian form) in Chinese culture led to its eventual dissemination throughout the East Asian cultural sphere.
Debated during the Warring States Period and forbidden during the short-lived Qin Dynasty, Confucianism was chosen by Han Wudi for use as a political system to govern the Chinese state.
During the philosophically fertile period of the Hundred Schools of Thought, great early figures of Confucianism such as Mencius and Xun Zi developed Confucianism into an ethical, political, and (arguably) religious doctrine.
Neo-Confucianism, introduced to Japan in the twelfth century, is an interpretation of nature and society based on metaphysical principles and is influenced by Buddhist and Taoist ideas.
Under Joseon Neo-Confucianism, or seongnihak, there was even greater encouragement of Confucian ideas and ideals such as chung or loyalty; hyo or filial piety; in or benevolence; and sin or trust.
After this time, Confucianism took root in the social and political structure, as the ideals of Confucian meritocratic scholarship came to gradually dominate social and moral life.
Confucianism, although not typically practiced as a religion, has deeply influenced Japanese thought, particularly in the sphere of social ethics and interpersonal etiquette.
The relationship between Confucianism and Confucius himself, however, is tenuous.
Literally meaning "son of a ruler," "prince," or "noble," the ideal of a "gentleman" (or, less gender-specifically, "exemplary person") is the ideal which Confucianism exhorts all people to strive.
Such claims have a certain level of validity, but it does not prevent "Confucianism" as a term from being discussed and utilized on a practical level.
One of the problems in discussing the history of Confucianism is the question of semantics: in other words, the issue of determining the referent of the term itself.
Confucianism survived its suppression during the Qin Dynasty partly thanks to the actions of several brave (yet unnamed) scholars who concealed the school's texts at great personal peril.