Confucianism History

Before we can start learning about South Korean Courtesy we must first know some things about the strong influences that helped build it, Confucianism. Confucianism has been an important influence on S. Korea as well as many other eastern countries.(1, 4)

Origin

Confucianism are the theories and philosophies of a Chinese scholar, Confucius, of the 5th-6th century B.C.E. in China. Confucius's teachings have influenced China, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea. Confucianism works towards good relationships and peace in any country. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

All of Confucius's teachings were recorded by his students and then their students(1, 3, 4). It was discarded around 220 C.E. when the Han Dynasty fell(1, 6) . In the next dynasty, the Qin Dynasty, people who did not agree with Confucianism were authorized to burn any reference to it(1, 6). Because of this there are many gaps in Confucius’s teachings and sometimes contradicted itself(1). By the 7^th (700 BCE) century Confucianism reappeared and was brought back into practice.(1, 2, 6)

It was later mixed in with Buddhism and Taoism to create laws that state the correct way relationships establish peace as well as bring more followers.(1, 6)

Works Cited

1. Conjecture Corporation. (2003-2012). What is Confucianism?. Retrieved from      http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-confucianism.htm
2. Hays, J. (2008-20011). History of Confucianism. Retrieved from  http://www.factsanddetails.com/world.php?itemid=1175&catid=55&subcatid=357
3. Patheos Inc. (2008 - 2011). Confusianism: Definition, history & origin. Retrieved from  http://www.onelittleangel.com/wisdom/quotes/confucianism.asp
4. Pilgrim, G. (2011, September 21). Introduction to Confucianism and five relationships. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/introduction-to-confucianism-and-five-relationships.html 
5. Scholastic Inc. (2012). Asian pacific american heritage. Retrieved from http://teacher.scholastic.com/researchtools/researchstarters/asian-american/
6. n.a. (n.d.). Confucianism : Definition, history & origin. Retrieved from http://www.onelittleangel.com/wisdom/quotes/confucianism.asp