The current state and influence of Confucianism in modern China and other countries, and its cultural, political, and social implications.
History of Confucianism: Tracing the origins of Confucianism and how it has evolved over time.
Key beliefs and values: Understanding the central tenets of Confucianism such as filial piety, respect for elders, and cultivation of moral character.
Confucian classics: Studying the foundational texts of Confucianism including the Analects, the Mencius, and the Doctrine of the Mean.
Confucianism and education: Exploring the role of Confucianism in shaping educational institutions and practices, as well as modern debates about Confucian education.
Confucianism and politics: Examining the ways in which Confucianism has influenced political thought and governance in Asia, as well as contemporary debates about the role of Confucianism in politics.
Confucianism and ethics: Analyzing how Confucianism has shaped ethical concepts and practices, as well as criticisms of Confucian ethics.
Confucianism and gender: Examining the role of gender in Confucian thought and practice, as well as critiques of patriarchal aspects of Confucianism.
Confucianism and globalization: Studying how Confucianism is adapting to and influencing contemporary global trends, including market capitalism, democracy, and human rights.
Confucianism and religion: Exploring the relationship between Confucianism and other religious traditions, as well as debates about whether Confucianism should be considered a religion or a philosophy.
Confucianism and contemporary issues: Analyzing how Confucianism is addressing contemporary social issues such as environmentalism, aging societies, and social inequality.
Neo-Confucianism: A revival of Confucianism during the Song dynasty that integrated Taoist and Buddhist elements with the classical Confucian doctrines.
New Confucianism: Emerged in the 20th century from the works of scholars such as Mou Zongsan and Tu Weiming who sought to revive Confucianism in a modern context and promote its relevance to contemporary issues.
Singaporean Confucianism: A distinctive form of Confucianism developed in Singapore during the 20th century that emphasizes the importance of Confucian values such as filial piety, loyalty, and respect for authority.
Korean Confucianism: Developed in Korea during the Joseon dynasty, this form of Confucianism emphasizes the importance of family, respect for elders, and the pursuit of knowledge as a means of self-cultivation.
Japanese Confucianism: A unique form of Confucianism that incorporates indigenous Shinto and Buddhist elements as well as classical Confucian ideas, and stresses the importance of social harmony and relationships in all aspects of life.
Taiwan Confucianism: Developed during the Qing dynasty, Taiwan Confucianism is characterized by its emphasis on moral education, ritual propriety, and filial piety.
Vietnamese Confucianism: Developed during the Le dynasty, Vietnamese Confucianism places an emphasis on education, harmony, and social order.
Classical Confucianism: The original form of Confucianism as taught by Confucius, which emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior, social unity, and personal cultivation.