Neo-Confucianism

Neo-Confucianism refers to the philosophical and ethical system that emerged in China during the Song dynasty, blending Confucian principles with Buddhist and Taoist ideas.

What is Neo-Confucianism and when did it originate?

- "Neo-Confucianism (Chinese: 宋明理學; pinyin: Sòng-Míng lǐxué, often shortened to lǐxué 理學, literally 'School of Principle') is a moral, ethical, and metaphysical Chinese philosophy influenced by Confucianism, which originated with Han Yu (768–824) and Li Ao (772–841) in the Tang dynasty..."

Who were the influential figures in the development of Neo-Confucianism during the Tang dynasty?

- "...originated with Han Yu (768–824) and Li Ao (772–841) in the Tang dynasty..."

When did Neo-Confucianism become prominent in China?

- "...and became prominent during the Song and Ming dynasties under the formulations of Zhu Xi (1130–1200)."

Why did Chinese scholars and officials restore and preserve neo-Confucianism after the Mongol conquest?

- "After the Mongol conquest of China in the thirteenth century, Chinese scholars and officials restored and preserved neo-Confucianism as a way to safeguard the cultural heritage of China."

What were some influences that neo-Confucianism sought to reject?

- "...by rejecting superstitious and mystical elements of Taoism and Buddhism that had influenced Confucianism during and after the Han dynasty."

How did neo-Confucianists view Taoism and Buddhism?

- "Although the neo-Confucianists were critical of Taoism and Buddhism..."

Did neo-Confucianism incorporate any ideas from Taoism and Buddhism?

- "...the neo-Confucianists borrowed terms and concepts."

How did the neo-Confucianists use metaphysics?

- "...the neo-Confucianists used metaphysics as a guide for developing a rationalist ethical philosophy."

What was the role of metaphysics for Taoists and Buddhists?

- "...unlike the Buddhists and Taoists, who saw metaphysics as a catalyst for spiritual development, religious enlightenment, and immortality..."

Did gender roles play a role in neo-Confucianism?

- "Traditional Confucian beliefs such as gender roles were also included..."

How were women valued within neo-Confucianism?

- "...leading to the devaluing of women in Korea."

Who were the key philosophers or scholars associated with neo-Confucianism?

- "Han Yu, Li Ao, and Zhu Xi are some key figures associated with the development of neo-Confucianism."

What were the main goals of neo-Confucianism?

- "Neo-Confucianism aimed to create a more rationalist and secular form of Confucianism, focusing on moral, ethical, and metaphysical aspects."

How did neo-Confucianism impact Chinese culture?

- "It became prominent during the Song and Ming dynasties, playing a significant role in safeguarding China's cultural heritage."

Did neo-Confucianism have any political implications?

- "Chinese scholars and officials restored and preserved neo-Confucianism as a way to safeguard the cultural heritage of China."

Did neo-Confucianism promote morality?

- "Neo-Confucianism is a moral, ethical, and metaphysical Chinese philosophy."

What were some criticisms of Taoism and Buddhism by neo-Confucianists?

- "Although the neo-Confucianists were critical of Taoism and Buddhism..."

How did neo-Confucianism differ from traditional Confucian beliefs?

- "Neo-Confucianism aimed to create a more rationalist and secular form of Confucianism, rejecting elements influenced by Taoism and Buddhism."

Did neo-Confucianists regard reason and rationality highly?

- "the neo-Confucianists used metaphysics as a guide for developing a rationalist ethical philosophy."

How did neo-Confucianists view the influence of Taoism and Buddhism in Confucianism?

- "...rejecting superstitious and mystical elements of Taoism and Buddhism that had influenced Confucianism."