When Socrates Meets Confucius - 1140 Words

Confucius and Socrates both have a very definite perspective of an person and how he/she should live their life. However these perspectives do differ in specific areas and that is what brings me to compare and contrast on both philosophers. He acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions (Confucius 2-13). Confucius says that we shouldnt speak about what we dont know, just as Socrates is known for saying I am wise because I know nothing. Both of them seem to imply that a virtuous man knows nothing, and yet that is the key to knowledge itself. Socrates believes a just man is a man who knows the difference between what is right and wrong and will act upon it, but also believes that a just man is not skilled†¦show more content†¦Socrates implies that wisdom is more than just knowledge of something, it is obtained not only through education and reasoning, but also sensing. However he advises us that we cant always trust our senses, therefore wisdom is gained through a process of many different things and cant simply be acquired by any one specific action. Going along with the defining of wisdom, Confucius adds that consequences are not the proper consideration for making a choice. He believes that moral action should depend on your morals and virtues, not whether or not you will be punished or rewarded. I think this is a great insight on Confucius part, we shouldnt choose our actions off of whats going to happen to us, but instead whether or not it is the right thing to do. However, when reading the different texts, you see that Socrates declares that What is lawful is just though Confucius advises, The superior man does not set his mind either for...or against anything; what is right he will follow (Confucius 4-10). They differ here as well, for Socrates is claiming a just man will ultimately follow laws and Confucius claims the just man follows his heart or mind. I would likely agree with Confucius in the sense that I strongly believe virtues to be the most important thing to withhold. Socrates asserts that being just, will not always win. Though Confucius acknowledges that the aim is not toShow MoreRelatedPhilosophy Socrates vs. Taoism2554 Words   |  11 Pageseastern and western civilization determined massive differences between the two. On the other hand, the works of ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates, and some eastern philosophies like Taoism have many of the same or common ideas and concepts. Both eastern and western philosophies regardless of having similarities have distinctive differences when examining the view of the conception of the good. 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