History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China HPC 11. Mark Csikszentmihalyi on Early Confucianism
Jul 28, 2024
Mark Csikszentmihalyi, a leading expert in early Confucianism at UC Berkeley, dives into the legacy of Kongzi, or Confucius. He discusses how archaeological discoveries reshape our understanding of early Chinese philosophy and the significance of material culture, such as bronze vessels, in interpreting Confucian rituals. The conversation also highlights Confucius's enduring influence during the Han dynasty, examining new texts that challenge previous beliefs and underscore his pivotal role in Chinese intellectual history.
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Confucius's Influence
- Confucius became influential due to the genre of sayings attributed to him, more than his individuality.
- These "traveling sayings" circulated widely during the Warring States period, solidifying his authority.
Confucius's Biographies
- Recent archaeological finds, like the tomb of Li He, are reshaping our understanding of Confucius's biographies.
- These discoveries highlight the importance of his disciples and his role as an evaluator of character.
The Dayu Ding
- The Dayu Ding, a bronze vessel from an elite tomb, illustrates early political philosophy and ancestral sacrifice.
- Its inscription emphasizes the king's authority granted by Heaven and the vessel owner's status granted by the king.
