CONFUCIANISM: A PHILOSOPHICAL GUIDELINE AND METHOD FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION

ANSHU SUBEDI

Department of Conflict, Peace and Development Studies, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract - The paper intends to acknowledge Confucianism stressing on the basic principles of Confucianism, more specifically the ideas, information and examples relevant in the context of conflict. Confucianism being deeply entrenched and rooted in the Chinese culture, has come up to be the preliminary and important aspect of Chinese culture. Realizing the contributions and relevance of Confucianism in the context of conflict prevention, conflict management as well as conflict resolution, the paper attempts to conceptualize and present Confucianism as an important instrument to prevent, resolve and mitigate conflict.

I. INTRODUCTION (difference or divergence) are used in Chinese language to represent conflict. Confucius was a well renowned Chinese social Conflict takes place when there is disagreement philosopher, spiritual leader, psychologist, as well as among the two people or two parties. The teachings a transmitter of Confucianism. Often regarded a of Confucius can be applicable in conflict philosophy following its religious, cosmic, moral, management and attaining relationship goals. These humane and spiritual aspects as well as ruling teachings can be outlined in the four key principles: ideology in China during the Han dynasty, Confucianism (Rujiao) incorporates a wider set of Social stability is based on hierarchical relationships: ideas, values and beliefs as well as  The five relationships include ruler/ruled, procedures/practices relevant in contemporary China. father/son, elder brother/younger brother, It has evolved and is recognized at different levels husband/wife and older friend/younger friend. from The various discourses on Confucianism The junior owns a senior respect and obedience, included terms like: “goodness or humanity (ren)”, the senior owns the junior consideration and “righteousness (yi), reciprocity or altruism (shu) protection ,ritual propriety (li),wisdom (zhi),and Collectivism is the basis for all social organizations: faithfulness(xin) which have special meanings and  The principle of collectivism is also found in significance in conflict resolution. Similar is the Confucian approaches to learning and knowledge concept of culturalism. creation. Truth is found in the self, but along Confucius was born in 551 BCE into the troubled with good character tracts learned from the times of war, intrigue and great economic and social collective. changes, his life and teachings need to be understood  Treat others as one would like to be treated in the light of them. (Rainey, 2010). A doctrine may oneself be supposed to follow a natural way like Taoism, or  Success with regard to ones tasks in life requires to satisfy the demand of some exogenous existence effortful and pragmatic acquisition of skills and like religion, or to optimally achieve like religion or knowledge, thrift patience and preservation. to optimally achieve a national goal like socialism, or (Walter,2014) to satisfy individual requirements under legal control The most important approach of conflict resolution like capitalism or to maximize the happiness (or the widely accepted and used in China is “avoidance” welfare) of the people like Confucianism (Zhang, approach in which the two parties forbid themselves 2000). Confucianism advocated a harmonious society from adopting confrontational style which varies not through equalization but the harmonization of greatly in higher context and lower context cultures. human differences (ibid). The people of high context cultures tend to adopt a The literal translation of “conflict” is mao-dun, where non-confrontational and indirect attitude towards mao represents spear and dun as shield. Originally, a conflict and tend to use an affective intuitive style of weapon maker was promoting a spear which was conflict management. (Chen, 1998). In contrast, the capable of penetrating any shield. He then put down people of low-context cultures tend to be more the spear, picked up a shield and claimed the shield involved in a conflict when their personal normative was impenetrable by any spear. More specifically, the expectations are violated , tend to adopt a original meaning of conflict was ‘logically confrontational and direct attitude towards conflicts, incompatible’ or ‘mutually opposed’. (Locke, 2007). and tend to use a factual-inductive style of conflict Similarly, other terms like jiu fen (meaning dispute), management (ibid)).Moreover, Chen attempts to wen ti (problem), chong tu (clash), or feng qi analyze the western and Chinese notion of thinking

Proceedings of 54th Research World International Conference, Beijing, China, 29th -30th August 2018 15 Confucianism: A Philosophical Guideline and Method for Conflict Resolution with former being categorical and analytical whereas dogmatism and flexibility (creating new conflicts and the latter being encompassing and integrative to intensify older ones) and of exclusiveness and search for a middle way in relation to conflict inclusiveness (flexible and inclusive attitudes often resolution. reduce and modify them, adding current problems while keeping a balance between conflict and reconciliation) (ibid).

IV. CONFUCIANISM AND HARMONY

The concept of conflict can be linked to the concept of ying and yang. The two forces represent a perfect blend of “opposite yet complementary” relationship beyond their extreme nature. Typically, this can be conceptualized as promoting and creating harmony with humans in the center in the ‘self’ as well the

(Figure 1: Understanding paradox: Linking East and West) surrounding environment. More specifically, the (Chen, 1998) concept of “ren” highlights harmony which is a preliminary and central theme of Confucianism. II. MODELS/IDEAS OF CONFUCIANISM The Chinese “he”,is translated as “harmony” and “renji hexie” as interpersonal harmony. Harmony is The fundamental principles and ideas of essential at all levels of a functioning society. Confucianism consists of the following: According to Leung and others, “harmony is defined  Ren: The ultimate foundation of Confucianism, it as the glue that links members to the social refers to benevolence, goodness, human- world”.(Locke, 2007). Confucius emphasized “he”, heartedness, compassion, pity, love, virtues and but believed that it should be pursued for its own sake others. It is also referred as the primary principle not for self-gain or at the expense of more important of human action and a principle of moral values such as “ren”, humaneness or “yi”, justification. righteousness (ibid).  Zhong and shu: Zhong and shu are the implementation of ren. V. CONFUCIANISM AND MEDIATION  Yi: it means rectitude, duty, obligation, righteousness and the motives for action. The The involvement of third party can provide objective superior man is motivated by righteousness, the fact-finding, encourage hidden interests or beliefs to inferior by profit. surface, clarify misperception and  Li: it means rite, ceremony, decorum, miscommunication, and propose compromises. deportment, politeness, good manners, propriety (Rummel, 1983). Even the mutual acceptance of the or civility. third party and the process of clarifying the issue; the  Xiao: xiao means filial piety. It is an attitude of first and the second step towards conflict resolution. respect and concern towards parents and (ibid). superiors.  Through Ren, Zhong, and Shu society will have The theory and practice of mediation was practiced as equity, justice, respect, love, pity, compassion, dispute resolution mechanism in traditional China. kindness, and charity resulting to peace, Confucians value social harmony and litigation was tranquility, and progress. (Babor, 2011). considered to be a negative social phenomenon because it exacerbates, ruptures and poisons social

relationships beyond the point of repair. (Bell & III. CONFUCIUS PERSPECTIVE ON Chaibang, 2003 ). Litigation was also viewed with CONFLICT AND WAR disdain because the pursuit of material self -interests

Confucius has recognized the inevitable nature of that underlines civil litigation was perceived to be conflict. In this connection, Confucius provides inconsistent with the Confucian valuation of self - valuable insights regarding war and conflict, cultivation over selfish interests. (Ibid). basically, pacifism, realism and just war theory as Confucianism offered a humane rule on the basis of well as solutions for them. On the one hand, moral suasion. (Bell and Chaibang, 2003). Moral Confucius oppose war because they believe that war suasion, especially when applied via the subtle brings about nothing but suffering, injuries, social indoctrinating influence of cultural norms, can be an injustice and disorder. On the other hand, they permit effective means of governance. Throughout various or justify certain kinds of military engagement as a dynasties, China’s imperial authorities had indeed means of preventing chaos, liberating the people from appealed to the virtues of subordination and pacifism- tyranny and restoring justice. (Yao, 2004). Therefore, the twin pillars of Confucianism- in suppressing the Confucian way is characterized by the coexistence of “subsistence ethic”. (Ma &Kung, 2012).

Proceedings of 54th Research World International Conference, Beijing, China, 29th -30th August 2018 16 Confucianism: A Philosophical Guideline and Method for Conflict Resolution Confucianism stresses the notion of being subject to  The focus on collective interests rather than group norms and behaviors and showing a sense of individual interests promotes and emphasizes responsibility and accountability. In such instances, team work, greater concern for promoting team the prime focus will be towards the collective spirit is achieved interests rather than the individual interests. The  Confucianism is applicable in improving ideal is not individual liberty, but order and harmony, patience and tolerance among people , a greater not individual independence but cooperation, not the regards for one another and respect and tolerate freedom of individual conscience but conformity to one another’s presence in the society for society. Confucius argues that in order to be effective, promoting peace and harmony law must comply with the moral order inherent to  The implication of Confucianism is also society. (Hashimoto, 2015). He encouraged the prevalent in the context of being able to provide virtues of filialty, loyalty and social compassion. In justice through moral example rather than Confucian society, the preferred mode of conflict forceful behavior, coercion and punishment. resolution has been non- adversarial and non- judicial  The diffusion of Confucius norms tend to (ibid). minimize the effects of conflict. The prevalent perception of becoming a” peaceful dog rather VI. CONFUCIANISM AND PACIFISM than a rebel” best illustrates the notion of conformity and upholding the moral values and There is a pacifist character to Confucianism because indoctrination of Confucius teachings in the it emphasized sociability through concepts such as thoughts, mindset and behavior of the people. ren (humaneness and benevolence), ji (justice), shu  In the context of a conflictual situations across (knowing what other people want) and li (rules of the world, Confucianism offers a holistic view to proper behavior) (Hui,2012). Emerged during Huang humanity and fulfills the quench of spiritual Di, China’s first emperor used a mix of authoritarian thirst among the people who are facing conflict. legalism and original Confucianism as their two The concerns, views on morality provides a ruling doctrines. Confucianism was used to embellish mechanism, a purely ideal model of conflict and sugarcoat harsh legalist practices that underlay resolution. imperial China (ibid).  The implications of Confucianism is huge ranging from the promotion of Chinese culture in V. APPLICATION OF CONFUCIANISM FOR the entire world up to its portrayal as a form of CONFLICT RESOLUTION soft power throughout the world and being an exemplary model of a virtuous, selfless, just and The Chinese model of conflict resolution is heavily harmonious society. influenced by its deep rooted culture. The core  Confucianism provides a normative and element of Chinses culture ie, Confucianism holds a prescriptive ways to deal with the complexities significant position in deriving the ways and models of human nature through the concept of harmony of conflict resolution. The ways and patterns of by incorporating its ideals and viewpoints. This thinking of the Chinese people as well as their way it serves as a basis for conflict resolution, a behavior is shaped through their language and foundation for achieving and prescribing ways to philosophy. For instance: the symbolic and pictorial accentuate group behavior. presentations of Chinese language has its significant  The notion of “Prevention is better that cure” is influence upon their thought. In other words, the being highlighted through the virtues of thinking pattern is supposedly holistic rather than Confucianism. In other words, Confucianism paying attention to the smaller details. proposes a moral, just and equality based society The modes and methods of conflict resolutions vary that does not allow to create an environment that from place to place, country to country and context to instigates conflict. The ways to mitigate conflict context. The Chinese model of conflict resolution and is not to allow conflict to incur or happen at all. Confucianism with their possible applications has This has dual implications. First a peaceful and been explained in the following points: harmonious society will emerge and second there  The dual concern model of conflict resolution won’t be any instances of conflict which saves comprises of competing, compromising, resources. Thus Confucianism provides a collaborating, avoiding and accommodating. In motivational explanation towards conflict this connection, the most widely used model is resolution. avoidance and accommodating. With a heavy  In the context of a conflictual situations across concern for maintaining group commitment and the world, Confucianism offers a holistic view to regulating group behavior through maintaining humanity and fulfills the quench of spiritual hierarchical relationships, Confucianism is thirst among the people who are facing conflict. applicable in maintaining harmonious social The concerns, views on morality provides a relationships as well as group solidarity and mechanism, a purely ideal model of conflict social cohesion in the long run. resolution.

Proceedings of 54th Research World International Conference, Beijing, China, 29th -30th August 2018 17 Confucianism: A Philosophical Guideline and Method for Conflict Resolution  The implications of Confucianism is huge configure disrupted relationships towards a promising ranging from the promotion of Chinese culture in future. the entire world up to its portrayal as a form of The idea of Confucianism has led towards different soft power throughout the world and being an perspective with time. From the point where exemplary model of a virtuous, selfless, just and Confucius started people seemed divided with their harmonious society. view on following it as people were bounded by their  Confucianism provides a normative and own values, culture and religion. Moreover, the idea prescriptive ways to deal with the complexities of presenting conflict and Confucius is to have of human nature through the concept of harmony familiarity towards the solution and the holistic by incorporating its ideals and viewpoints. This approach of conflict analysis and its importance for way it serves as a basis for conflict resolution, a today. Confucianism has dealt with many ideas from foundation for achieving and prescribing ways to dualistic model to pacifism, structuralism and many accentuate group behavior. other important ideas and relating with conflict and  The notion of “Prevention is better that cure” is its solutions. Moreover Confucius has not only played being highlighted through the virtues of a major role towards conflict resolution but has made Confucianism. In other words, Confucianism a significant contribution on the way to academia for proposes a moral, just and equality based society the world today. The idea of avoidance approach, that does not allow to create an environment that listening to others has been part of academia in instigates conflict. The ways to mitigate conflict subject of conflict resolution. is not to allow conflict to incur or happen at all. An irreplaceable part of the Chinese social fabric, This has dual implications. First a peaceful and Confucianism holds a distinct tradition that has been harmonious society will emerge and second there approved and followed by not only its disciples but a won’t be any instances of conflict which saves trend of followers that have been influenced by resources. Thus Confucianism provides a morality either through self-reflection or through motivational explanation towards conflict transformation from the knowledge from Confucius. resolution. Furthermore, the ideology has not only led towards the development of decency but also the holistic CONCLUSION approach towards present and future. The idea of Confucius is already creating paths to Confucianism emerged as an important discipline, vision and emergence of its views not only in daily religious and philosophical foundations in China and lives but also presenting in the political approach too. has left its implications even in the present context. There are examples of political influence through With the astounding and supreme perceptions and Confucius either being part of it or going against it notions about several aspects of individuals and has led to numerous similarities and differences society, Confucianism generates a moral and spiritual among the people themselves which has not only awakening in the world of hatred, enmity and changed decisions but has effect towards power game conflict. and the politics itself. Confucianism, a philosophy is The most important aspect and notion of not what mostly been said but is what that has been Confucianism is the idea of empowering humans as learned. In the midst of today’s world suffering from individuals in the context of being the superior beings the political instability, depression, war, conflicts has for improving and constantly evolving as self and led to question, Will we be in peace? And be far from contributing for the well-being of the entire human all the greed and grievances. The answer is only race. within us. The Confucius within the people has to With harmony, love, duty, benevolence, obligations, come on rise and overcome the problems and let to goodness, loyalty, altruism as the most important the new beginning and a better world for a wonderful principles of Confucianism their applicability in the future, for you, me and us, the world. context of conflict resolution have been important. Each terminologies under Confucianism has it REFERENCES specific implications and importance, meanings and applications. These approaches provide a [1] Rainey, L. (2010).Confucius and Confucianism The Essentials. 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