What values do Plutarch and Confucius promote? What similarities and differences do you see in their moral and educational philosophies? How are those similarities and differences related to the history and structure of their respective societies and the problems of creating a common elite class culture to govern far-flung empires?
Values promoted by Plutarch and Confucius
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There are some similarities between the moral and educational philosophies of Plutarch and Confucius. Both philosophers emphasized the importance of virtue, justice, and moderation. They also believed that education was essential for developing good character. However, there are also some important differences between their philosophies.
Plutarch's philosophy was more individualistic than Confucius's philosophy. Plutarch believed that each individual should strive to develop their own virtue, while Confucius believed that virtue was achieved through social harmony. Plutarch also placed more emphasis on the importance of reason, while Confucius placed more emphasis on the importance of tradition.
The similarities and differences between the moral and educational philosophies of Plutarch and Confucius can be related to the history and structure of their respective societies. Plutarch lived in a Greek society that was divided into city-states. This meant that there was a great deal of diversity in Greek culture, and Plutarch's philosophy reflected this diversity. Confucius lived in a Chinese society that was more unified. This meant that there was a greater emphasis on tradition and social harmony in Confucius's philosophy.
The problems of creating a common elite class culture to govern far-flung empires were also relevant to the moral and educational philosophies of Plutarch and Confucius. Plutarch believed that education was essential for creating a common elite class culture. He argued that education could help to bridge the divides between different cultures and create a sense of common purpose. Confucius also believed that education was essential for creating a common elite class culture. However, he argued that education should be based on tradition and social harmony.
In conclusion, the moral and educational philosophies of Plutarch and Confucius have had a profound impact on the world. Their philosophies have been adapted and reinterpreted over the centuries, and they continue to be relevant today.
Sample Answer
Plutarch and Confucius were both philosophers who lived in ancient times, and their moral and educational philosophies have had a profound impact on the world.
Plutarch was a Greek writer who lived in the 1st century AD. He is best known for his Parallel Lives, which are biographies of famous Greeks and Romans. In his writings, Plutarch emphasized the importance of virtue, justice, and moderation. He also believed that education was essential for developing good character.
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who lived in the 6th century BC. He is the founder of Confucianism, which is one of the major schools of thought in Chinese philosophy. Confucius believed that the goal of life was to achieve virtue, and he taught that this could be achieved through education, self-cultivation, and social harmony.