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Transcript

Background

"Encouraging Learning"

Fallacies

-Hsun Tzu (310-220 B.C.) was one of the three great architects of Confucian philosophy.

-Philosophical views went against popular ideas at the time, which caused him to be out of favor in intellectual circles.

-Believed Heaven had a much smaller role as a bastion of order and morality than most other thinkers.

-Although his views were considered to be unorthodox and unpopular, his works were still very influential in China and remains a source of influence today.

- While pursuing education for the sake of knowledge is a valid quest for some, the modern economic setting where job opportunities are limited causes money to be a primary motivation for people today.

- The text states that there is only one way to earn virtue. Hsun Tzu doesn't consider the fact that virtue can also be built by surrounding oneself with an academic education and life experiences that pertain to both the good and the bad forces of the world, finding the balance between the two.

-Many of us have learned more about virtuous character from scenarios, people, and lifestyles deemed impure than can be taught from any text or teacher.

-He emphasizes that we get our education from what has been taught before, rather than forming new experiences from our surroundings.

-He saw personal thought as a waste of time due to our own "immoral" nature as human beings.

-Only imagined the prospect of education for men only.

-Observes the three stages of learning: 1) The Scholar- one who is a prepared student. 2) The Gentleman- one who is still deep in learning. 3) The Sage- one who has followed the right path and continues to follow it.

-Emphasized that one should always strive to be the Sage.

-Cited education as a means of becoming a complete, well-rounded individual capable of making moral decisions.

-Must always be learning in order to accumulate knowledge, goodness, and understanding. The only time learning stops is when death occurs.

-If education is stopped prematurely, then the individual is depriving themselves of developing more understanding and virtue.

-The Gentleman has to earn virtue within oneself over time. Thus, it becomes the everlasting backbone of ones' character, which is a benefit in itself.

- Suggested that one should not surround themselves with gross or vulgar people because their influence may taint their path of learning.

Underlying Assumption

Discussion Questions

-Unlike some of his peers he believed that human nature was evil; without morals, rather than good. This is similar to Christianity's concept of original sin. This idea is prevalent in this work.

-Humans that followed one's "natural instincts" would lead an unhappy life because people are inherently selfish by nature.

-He believed that by following the Way (the Tao), otherwise known as the pursuit of knowledge, will lead to a path of understanding and peace.

1) How is morality linked to learning and education?

2) Do you think Hsun Tzu's writings has any significance in modern-day society?

3) Why must one avoid associating with "ugly" people or ideas?

4) How does one profit from surrounding oneself with people who are well-learned?

5) Do you agree or disagree with Hsun Tzu's ideas? Explain please.

Hsun Tzu

"Encouraging Learning"

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