2. What was the Confucian definition of a gentleman? Why did Confucianism place so much emphasis on manners and ceremony?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentleman#Confucianism
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081023091137AAmlBKb
The Confucian definition of a gentleman, also known as Junzi, refers to an individual who embodies the highest moral and ethical qualities. According to Confucianism, a gentleman is someone who exhibits virtues such as benevolence, righteousness, humility, loyalty, and wisdom. They are expected to act as role models and demonstrate exemplary behavior in their interactions with others.
Confucianism places great emphasis on manners and ceremony for several reasons:
1. Social Harmony: Confucianism aims to create and maintain social harmony by promoting respectful and harmonious relationships between individuals. Manners and ceremony serve as a way to establish and maintain this harmonious social order.
2. Filial Piety: Confucianism places a strong emphasis on filial piety, which is the respect and reverence for one's parents and ancestors. Manners and ceremony are seen as expressions of filial piety and serve to honor and respect one's elders and ancestors.
3. Moral cultivation: Confucianism believes that through practicing proper manners and engaging in ceremonial rituals, individuals refine their character and cultivate virtues such as respect, humility, and self-discipline. The emphasis on manners and ceremony serves as a means to develop one's moral character.
4. Social Hierarchy: Confucianism upholds a hierarchical social structure where each individual has a specific role and responsibility. Manners and ceremony help to reinforce the proper behavior expected of each individual according to their social position, thereby maintaining social order.
To learn more about the Confucian definition of a gentleman and the emphasis placed on manners and ceremony in Confucianism, one can study Confucian texts such as the Analects, The Great Learning, and The Doctrine of the Mean. Additionally, exploring the historical context and examining the influence of Confucianism on East Asian cultures and societies can provide deeper insights into this topic.