Platonic Philosopher versus Confucian Sage
In their discussions and explorations of what it is that makes a person a good human being, Socrates and Confucius value many of the same traits. Primarily, they both value the pursuit of learning as key to the development of their model of an enlightened person. However, there are a few important differences between the two. The first difference that comes to mind is how the philosophers are born predestined to be philosophers while sages are not determined at birth. However the main difference in the two lies in how they interact with the world around them once they attain the guardian or gentleman status. First of all, Plato would have his guardians feel no attachment to those around them whereas Confucius emphasizes the importance of relationships with family and friends. In addition, while gentlemen question the world around them, guardians remain silent. Finally, when guardians are ready to become philosophers, it is because they came to know the forms. On the other hand, when gentleman becomes a sage, it is because they were able to do and act with benevolence all the time. In The Republic, the philosophers are supposed to not know what suffering is so that when they are sent into battle, there is no chance of them becom
Like the philosopher kings, Confucius’s gentleman would ideally rule their city. However since “the asking of questions is in itself the correct rite” (3:15) and the gentleman is suppose to follow the rites, a gentleman would question where a philosopher might not. The only way to gain new knowledge about the world around us is to propose questions and explore their answers through various ways. Since the gentleman would be open to ascertaining new views that make way for progress of the city, they would be better at enabling their society to grow and evolve through time, instead of collapsing. A ruling class that allows the group which they are presiding over to stand the test of time are better than a ruling class that allows its subjects and their society to collapse. Therefore, Confucius’s gentleman, are better at being rulers than the Socratic philosophers. Confucius deals with pain and grief in a very different manner. The gentleman loves and respects his parents very much; as a matter of fact, in the opening section of The Analects he says that “When your father is alive, observe his will. When your father is dead observe his former actions. If, for three years you do not change from the ways of your father, you can be called a real son” (1:11). In addition, there is great emphasis throughout the book placed on the importance of a gentlemen being trustworthy and honest in their interactions with friends. The stress on the importance of friends and family creates a gentleman and sage with strong emotional ties to the ones around him. Thus he is willing to do almost anything for them, a passion that would force him to walk the extra mile, metaphorically and literally for those around him. Therefore in regards to shaping each of their reactions to emotional pain and loss the Confucian model of a sage emerges as more viable than the Socratic philosopher, Where the philosopher is taught not to get too attached to other people or to love too much, the sage gets very emotionally invested in others. Wh
Some topics in this essay:
Book III,
Socrates Confucius,
,
gentleman sage,
ruling class,
class allows,
ruling class allows,
philosopher kings,
confucius’s gentleman,
definition philosophers,
philosophers socrates,
person question,
emotional attachments,
extra mile,
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Approximate Word count = 1371
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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