What are the main characteristics of the ethics of Confucius?

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Confucianism has played a major role in the history of East India's countries and in particular in the history of Chinese civilization. Confucianism, which means "the School of the Scholars", is an ethical and philosophical system developed from the teachings of the sage Confucius in the 5th century BC. Over the centuries, philosophers like Mencius, Xun Zi or Neo-confucianists have developed Confucius themes. It is difficult to say whether these themes depict a religion, an ethical system or a political philosophy. Confucius' ethics is expressed most directly in the Analects written by his disciples. Confucius, or "Master Kong" (551-471 BC), traveled around China to promote his ideas among rulersin order to restore the "world's order", but he failed. At the end of his life, his teachings touched the lives of numerous disciples. Confucius elaborated a complex ethical code, which contains the core values and ideas that influenced institutions, social relationships, education and moral attitudes in China especially during the Han dynasty. In this discussion we will understand the core ideas and values of Confucius' ethics.

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[...] Filial piety is defined in Confucius' ethics as a virtue. Filial piety is able to bring an ordered society, because it infers political order, especially if we consider the fact that a subject owes respect and obedience to the ruler. Consequently, Confucius in his ethics gave very precise recommendations to build an ordered society. His ethics not only consist of the definition of hierarchical relationships, but also of the settlement of concrete duties that correspond to one's status in society. [...]

[...] They supply the society with moral example and education. In Confucius ethics, a superior man must be concerned with self improvement. A gentleman has nine concerns: clearly, hear distinctly; be kind in looks, respectful in manners, sincere in words, and diligent in work”. The superior man's heart is set on virtue and not on comfort; he is not biased towards a point of view, and he is not proud when dignified. We can recognize a superior man by his modesty and faithfulness. [...]

[...] As the ruler, he must act as the father of the people and reign humanely by taking care of the people. The emperor is not enforcing any law; he rules by moral behaviour and encourages others to act virtuously. Confucius used the metaphor of music to illustrate the way the emperor should govern: he must orchestrate society, encourage society to follow his advice and recommendations. Confucius in the Analects elaborated a complete ethical system which applies to daily life in both private and public spheres. [...]

[...] What are the main characteristics of the ethics of Confucius? Confucianism has played a major role in the history of East India's countries and in particular in the history of Chinese civilization. Confucianism, which means School of the Scholars”, is an ethical and philosophical system developed from the teachings of the sage Confucius in the 5th century BCE. Over the centuries, philosophers like Mencius, Xun Zi or Neo-confucianists, developed Confucius themes. is difficult to say whether it is a religion, an ethical system or a political philosophy”, p.54, Religions of the east. [...]

[...] Lastly, Confucius ethics contributed to the development of new ideas such as meritocracy: in fact, to become a “gentleman”, one doesn't have to be noble, but act with virtue and humanness. The contribution of Confucius in fields such as political order or societal harmony is huge, considering the influence and the longevity of his ethics in Asian world. Bibliography Religions of the east, by Joseph M. Kitagawa , Philadelphia, the Westminster press The world's religions: the religions of Asia, edition routledge London Friedhelm Hardly Confucianism and Chinese civilization, edited with an introduction by Arthur F. Wright, atheneum New York Confucianism in action, David S. Nivision, Arthur F. [...]