Analects of Confucius

Anyone who acts nobly is considered a superior man.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Anyone who acts in accordance with the principles of action is considered a superior man. Although superiority then was accorded to noblemen, such as prince(s) or king(s), the meaning of superiority has been extended to anyone who acts like the noble men, although one is only an "ordinary" person.

Humanism is the basis for Confucian teaching. It gives prime importance on the supernatural matters.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Humanism does not focus on the supernatural (like g/God). Instead, it focuses on the individual, his/her innate goodness and capabilities.

Analects is a religious doctrine.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Analects does not focus on the supernatural. It only focuses on ("good") social relationships which can hopefully reform a society. Therefore, this is not a religious text. Even Confucianism is not a religion. It is a philosophy.

This summarizes the principles of action.

• filial piety

• humanity

• propriety

• righteousness

Answer explanation

Filial piety, propriety, and righteousness, all fall under humanity.

This means doing something without expecting for something in return.

• altruism

• goodness

• humaneness

• kindness

Answer explanation

Goodness, humaneness, and kindness are all encomapssing terms. To be altruistic is to be good, to be kind, and to be humane.

The principle of action which teaches appropriate behavior in conducting rituals for the dead.

• jen

• li

• hsiao

• yi

Answer explanation

Li (propriety) since the following have a different focus: hsiao (filial piety), yi (righteousness), and jen (humanity).

This must be the motivation for right action

• acceptance by the society

• promise of place in heaven

• moral uprightness

• self-fulfillment

Answer explanation

The only reason for the right action must be because it is correct. Our "right" actions must not be influenced by fame, money, ambition, power, and any other motivating factor.

This started from respect to family and has been extended to other forms of social relationships

• filial piety

• humanity

• propriety

• righteousness

Answer explanation

Reverence may have started from the family but it is extended to the people around us. In the context of the Analects, this is embodied in the different types of relationships which include the neighbors or the entire humanity.

In terms of form, which is not an appropriate description of the Analects?

• aphorism

• maxim

• verse

• prose

Answer explanation

Whether aphorism, maxim, or verse, even epigram, they are all in forms of lines. The Analects was not written in the continuous or sentence/paragraph form. Thus, not a prose.

In the context of the Analects, as applied in the present situation, the superior man is anyone who holds power.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Definitely NOT since superiority is based on actions/behavior and not based on position(s) of power.