Answer:
This series of answer deals with the theoretical basis of Confucianism.
Explanation:
7. why does devotion to one's parents and older siblings matter?
Because, in Confucius vision, the core of the entire society and therefore the State was the family unit. And this unit should reflect the order of this State (hierarchy) as a microcosmos. So, if individuals respect an Emperor or a king, within family parents would play this role. The devotion then matter beacus it was the bedrock upon which good behaviour would be transmitted.
8. what things cause social chaos?
The breaking of virtue was the root of social chaos. And the break of this was first and foremost the challenge of traditions and hierarchies.
9. define "ren" (also sometimes called jen, having a kind manner), "den" (virtue) and "li" (correct practices or ritual). By this I mean don't just repeat what I said, but give me an example of each.
Ren: When you see a child in a potentially dangerous situation, and feel the anguish and necessity to watch over him/her.
Den: When you develop a genuine sincerity and respect toward others. For example when you become a team lead in a workspace and manage people through example and assertiveness.
Li: The following of proper manners. An example is when you display respect for your elders (watching over them, granting them honor and subsistence), and for the law (respecting traffic rules).
10. why is education important for people to have (this is according to Confucius)?
Because Confucius was convinced that it was through study and practice, in a continuous pattern, that people would continue to learn the virtues and traditions. That is the reason why in a Confucian state the record keeping and scholastic knowledge was vital, so as to transmit the ancient rituals and traditions that justify the hierarchies and virtues.
11. what is the tao (or dao)? what does it include (things like self-conduct)?
For Confucianism, Tao was the framework of humans, a "blueprint" of what was supposed to be the behaviour of a person in accordance of sex, social class and age. This would include sincerity, respect of traditions, respect, loyalty, in sum the so called "Five Constants".
12. why was Confucius never to establish a state based on his principles? what was lacking?
Answer: Confucius could not see a State based entirely on his principles during his lifetime specifically due to his lack of a powerful political backup, as his teachings enraged many of the political elite. Furthermore, the chaos of the Warring States Period made it impossible to try a "pacifist" solution as the one proposed by Confucius. It was only with the centralization of power, and the need to justify rituals and hierarchies that Confucianism would become a State policy, specifically in the Tang and Song periods, flourishing later in the Neoconfucianism that would guide China through the Ming and Qing dinasties.
