Introduction

Confucius and Aristotle are widely accepted as great thinkers of their time. The two philosophers came up with different theories and assertions that have shaped the modern life. One of their most famous works revolves around ethics and virtue. In their work, the concept of virtue emphasizes the roles of a person’s character and the values that an individual’s character embodies for evaluating or determining ethical behavior (Velasquez, 2013).  The works of these two philosophers have to a great extent influenced the way society behaves today. Nevertheless, there are different similarities and differences that the paper will critically analyze.

Compare the teachings of Confucius and Aristotle on what constitutes virtue or good ethical character and conduct, noting similarities and differences in specific ideas or emphasis

It is interesting to point out that both Aristotle and Confucius had significant Impact in philosophy. The two made an immense contribution to what we refer to a human character today. This does not, however, mean that these two great minds were in consensus in every aspect of their thoughts. Their views had some similarities as well as distinctions. One of the similar opinions between the two is the fact that both of them came up with theories on morality that offered guidance on human ethics. Also, the two philosophers lived in the same era. It is, however, prudent to point out that their philosophies also differed in different aspects regarding the concept of virtue.  For example, Aristotle’s virtue ethics is mainly from the West while that of Confucianism is in the East (Yu, 2007).  The two philosophers also had different accounts of what is meant by the virtue ethics.

For instance, from Aristotle’s point of view, virtue is a quality of character that makes life well lived. In essence, a good life is a life that is lived by virtue. It is, however, prudent to point out that Confucian had a different view on what morality entails.  He provides a different account on what entails a good life. Confucian emphasizes on the root of humanity and its cultivation towards a healthy relationship (Sim, 2007). There is more emphasis on being good to those close to us before extending to the rest of the society. Confucian was of the opinion that virtue comes from being a good person. On the other hand, Aristotle had more emphasis on the happiness of human being and how this can translate to the common good of the people. While Confucius concentrated on the general virtue, Aristotle’s concentration was on the intellectual virtue on a practical basis.  In essence, Confucius was of the opinion that we are born with certain characteristics while Aristotle was of the view that character is achieved and not ascribed.

1. b) Consider what your findings suggest about differences between ancient Chinese and ancient Greek culture.

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher while Confucius was a Chinese philosopher. From the analysis and teachings on the concept of virtue, one can draw the line between the Chinese and the Greek Culture. From their arguments, the two great thinkers it is evident that both the Greek and the Chinese cultures embraced different social classes (Velasquez, 2013). They put emphasis on the importance of the advantaged people in the society to take care of the disadvantaged people in the community. Nevertheless, it should be noted that their different way of thinking and articulating issues bring a different aspect of the Chinese and the Greek culture. For example, Confucius concept comes from an aesthetic point of view and leaves the readers to interpret them from their perspective (Sim, 2007). On the other hand, Aristotle’s ideas come about as a result of a reasonable judgment.  This merely indicates that, although the Chinese and Greeks had great philosophers, the Greek culture embraced logic and science in addition to philosophy. The Greek culture allowed more room for exploration as opposed to the Chinese culture.

1. c) From this comparison, suggest ideas of virtue that can apply to ethics in a modern setting, such as a diverse workplace.

Despite the differences between Aristotle and Confucius on the concept of Virtue, it is evident that the two philosophers emphasis on the importance of virtue within a society. It is prudent to point out that the two great thinkers seem to agree with each other’s views. This implies that the ideas of virtue can be applied in modern settings and more in a diverse workplace. For example, Confucian has put a lot of emphasis on the importance of practicing humaneness or benevolence in our daily activities. On the same note, Confucian emphasis on the need for the superiors to act ethically and should lose their positions if they act in an unethical manner. This can be applied in a modern workplace where the seniors must learn to respect their juniors in the society (Yu, 2007). Also, Confucius emphasizes that virtue means to be in love with all men. This emphasis on the good interpersonal relationship that is critical for a successful modern workplace.  The same sentiments are held by Aristotle who asserts that one should be good to others as he is to himself. In a nutshell, the suggestions and beliefs of Confucius and Aristotle in the concept of virtue have shaped the modern society and how the social interactions happen today.

References

Sim, M. (2007). Remastering morals with Aristotle and Confucius (1st ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Velasquez, M. (2013). Philosophy, a text with readings (1st ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Pub. Co.

Yu, J. (2007). The ethics of Confucius and Aristotle (1st ed.). New York: Routledge.

 
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