Running Head: COMPARE AND CONTRAST CONFUCIANISM AND PLATO

Compare and Contrast Confucianism and Plato

Don Sorrell
GRS601 (TOL) History and Philosophy of Ideas
Dr. Patricia L. McDonald
10/12/2014

Running Head: COMPARE AND CONTRAST CONFUCIANISM AND PLATO

Abstract
This paper will compare and contrast two of the twelve theories of human nature: Confucianism
and Plato. This paper will discuss the background of both Plato and Confucian, and attempt to
understand their thoughts and beliefs through their writing and philosophies.

Running Head: COMPARE AND CONTRAST CONFUCIANISM AND PLATO

Confucianism
Confucius was an import figure that came to be considered the teacher throughout
many periods of Chinese History (Stevenson , Haberman, & Wright, 2013). He lived from FiveHundred Fifty-One B.C.E to Four Hundred Seventy-Nine B.C.E and had more influence on
Chinese though and civilization than any other person in history. Confucius is known for his
great text called The Analects. The book consisted of scattered saying that were compiled by
his disciples after his death (Stevenson , Haberman, & Wright, 2013).

The Analects
The Analects is a book that has a main emphasis on humanism, primarily basic human
welfare and the world we live in. The book has little to do with gods or spirits. When Confucius
was asked about these subjects he would reply that people are not able to serve man how can
they serve spirits? (Stevenson , Haberman, & Wright, 2013). Confucius instead of talking about
the spirit world, would discuss how a good government could promote the well-being of society
and that would allow for harmony between the government and its citizens. In the Analects,
Confucius believe that we need to live in a moral world and that there was something that was
ultimate and transcendent about living by this moral code.
Confucius was optimistic about the potential for human accomplishment s too (Stevenson
, Haberman, & Wright, 2013). In fact he believe that ever person is potentially a sage. A sage is a
person that acts with extreme benevolence. Though he did not define human nature he did insist
that all human beings are basically the same and the only difference is due to our different ways
of being.

Running Head: COMPARE AND CONTRAST CONFUCIANISM AND PLATO

Confucius sayings give a clear picture of what is wrong with the human condition. The
sayings show the selfishness and ignorance of people and their failure to learn from the past
(Stevenson , Haberman, & Wright, 2013). Confuciuss sayings are rooted in common decency
and in the belief of treating others the way you want to be treated.

Plato
Plato was a philosopher of human nature that lived from Four-Hundred, Twenty-Seven
B.C.E. to Three-Hundred, Forty-Seven B.C.E. (Stevenson , Haberman, & Wright, 2013).
Though it dates back over two and a half millennia, Platos pioneering thought is still relevant
today (Stevenson , Haberman, & Wright, 2013). Platos most famous text was the Republic. It
was a long, complex, and closely argued dialog between several characters, and was divided into
ten books. Its main goal was to outline the ideal human society, and the problems and fulfillment
of individual human beings (Stevenson , Haberman, & Wright, 2013).
Metaphysics and the Theory of Forms
Form Theory is the most distinguishing characteristic of Platos metaphysics (Stevenson ,
Haberman, & Wright, 2013). Forms give Plato the ability classify and organize his thoughts to
and to differentiate the characteristics of things. The moral application of Form Theory is the
most important concept of human nature and society. Plato also believes that ethical Forms set an
absolute standards of values for society (Stevenson , Haberman, & Wright, 2013).
The dualist view which discusses the human soul or mind is one of Platos main ideas
that discusses a soul existing apart from the body and that the soul exists before birth and is
indestructible and eternal.
Compare and Contrast

Running Head: COMPARE AND CONTRAST CONFUCIANISM AND PLATO

Both Plato and Confucius are concerned with the human condition. It is a subject that
both seem to agree on. Morals for both are a key issue that they believe needs to be addressed to
make society a productive and peaceful place. Both emphasize the importance of having a
government that has a strong relationship with the citizens to make sure that everyone taken care
of. It seems that the human condition is similar for humans no matter where they live on the
planet. While reading these texts it is obvious that all people feel a need to take care of others
and have a central authority that helps that happen. Both Confucius and Plato saw this. Two men
from opposite sides of the world with the similar ideas on how society and individual should
interact with each other.
In contrast they have different beliefs in the spirit world. Confucius is not a spiritual man,
in that he does not discuss his philosophy of God or gods, or spirits. Confucius main concern is a
persons path to perfection (Stevenson , Haberman, & Wright, 2013). Plato on the other hand
speaks quite a lot about the soul and spirit being two separate entities and having different
functions. He also relate the idea of reason to the spirit.

Conclusion
Plato and Confucius were both great philosophers. Both continue to influence the world
that we live in today. The idea of citizens and the government working together to benefit one
another is a concept that is still being practiced. As long as these two great thinkers philosophies
are passed down to future generations, people will learn how to use compassion to help others
and to unite with the governmental authority and strive to make people lives better.

Running Head: COMPARE AND CONTRAST CONFUCIANISM AND PLATO

References:
Stevenson , L., Haberman, D. L., & Wright, P. M. (2013). Twelve Theories of Human Nature.
New York: Oxford University Press.