Confucius lived from 551 BCE to 479 BCE in China and was a famous teacher whose works influenced Chinese political and educational systems for over 2000 years. Some key ideas from Confucius' Analects include that human nature is essentially alike but practice makes people different, virtue defines society and is strengthened through relationships, and authority should be formalized through an ethical monarchy focused on cultivating virtue rather than enforcing laws.

1. Confucius Lived 551 BCE-479 BCE Chinese Famous teacher Inspired Chinese government and education systems for 2,000 years Analects considered finest work

2. What influenced Confucius to think about political science?

3. Translate each excerpt from Confucius’ Analects . Then, use your translations to explain how Confucius believes authority is formalized.

4. What does Confucius say about human nature? “ By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they come to be wide apart.”

5. What does Confucius think defines a society? “ Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.”

6. What does Confucius say should guide the society? “ Few indeed are those who are naturally filial towards their parents and dutiful towards their elder brothers but are fond of opposing their superiors; and it never happens that those who do not like opposing their superiors are fond of creating civil disorder. The gentleman concerns himself with the root; and if the root is firmly planted, the Way grows. Filial piety and fraternal duty: surely they are the roots of humaneness. ”

7. What does Confucius say the goal of Formalized Authority is? “ If the people be led by laws, and uniformity among them be sought by punishments, they will try to escape punishment and have no sense of shame. If they are led by virtue, and uniformity sought among them through the practice of ritual propriety, they will possess a sense of shame and come to you of their own accord.”

8. Confucius on how people formalize authority People are born the same; what we learn makes us different People naturally imitate those who are moral and truly love others when exposed to them (jen) People form societies to grow and share jen This society is based on the jen that grows from the respect and loyalty found in a loving family and will thus be very stable

9. How does Confucius believe authority should be formalized?

10. Confucius’ Conclusion Authority should be formalized as an ethical monarchy. Stable and peaceful Allows people to reach their full potential Ethics : Rules of conduct Monarchy : Rule by an individual because of birth Formal authorities should be those who possess the most jen (a dynasty with the mandate of heaven, advised by educated officials)