San Diego State University The Analects of Confucius by Robert Eno Discussion

Part I : Essay

Directions:

Compare and contrast the following passages. The first passage comes from Apology and the second passage comes from the Analects of Confucius. You might first briefly interpret each passage, and then compare and contrast them with reference to the larger philosophical vision/project of the Socrates of Apology and of Confucius of the Analects. Do not write more than one page (1 ½ spaced, normal font size). This is an opportunity to demonstrate your own understanding, using your own words. Be as detailed and complete as possible in the space allowed.

Requirements:

No more than one page, 1 ½ spaced, 12 point font size.

1) “While I have life and strength I shall never cease from practicing and teaching philosophy, exhorting anyone whom I meet in my usual way and convincing him, saying: O my friend, why do you, who are a citizen of the great and wise city of Athens, care so much about laying up the greatest amount of money, honor and reputation, and so little about wisdom, truth and the greatest improvement of the soul, which you never regard or heed at all? Are you not ashamed of this?”

2) “When summoned by his lord to receive a guest to the court, his countenance would change visibly and his legs would bend. He would salute the others standing in attendance, gesturing his clasped hands to the right and to the left, and with his flowing robes swaying front and back with his movements, he would glide forward briskly.”

Part II : Identifications.

Write a brief explanation (no more than two sentences) for each term, name or question below.

1. An example of your own of a perceptual belief

2. elenchus

3. Taibo (Analects)

4. Socrates’s response to the charge that he is an atheist

5. One traditional argument for philosophical skepticism

6. Method of Doubt

7. a posteriori

8. Explain one main question regarding personal identity