Cultural Dialogues: An Intercultural Reading of The Analects and Tao Te Ching

Get to grips with the Chinese classics The Analects and Tao Te Ching

The Analects (497 BC) and Tao Te Ching are two of the most influential philosophical texts in human history. They provide the basis for the social and spiritual belief system in China.

On this six-week course from Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), you’ll take an intercultural approach to reading these two classics. Tracing their social and cultural influence back over centuries, you’ll understand why the texts are vital for understanding traditional and modern China.

Examine the fundamental principles of Taoism and Confucianism

Contained in the two classic texts are the ideas of Confucius and the tenets of Taoist philosophy. As you progress through the course, you’ll examine the philosophical frameworks and principles that underpin Taoism and Confucianism.

From Confucian attitudes towards family relations to essential Taoist terminology and concepts, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to make sense of the two belief systems.

Compare and contrast other philosophical classics

To place The Analects and Tao Te Ching in context, you’ll read them in relation to other classic philosophical texts.

You’ll compare and contrast works by philosophers in the Western tradition and beyond, including Plato, Aristotle, Tagore, and others. This will help to explain and correct some misconceptions surrounding Chinese culture.

Understand how the two classics have shaped modern Chinese culture

Even centuries later, the influence of the two classics continues to be visible in China today. Over the six weeks of the course, you’ll gain an understanding of how The Analects and Tao Te Ching have shaped Chinese history, politics, and wider society.

You’ll finish the course with a greater sensitivity to cultural diversity and enhanced intercultural communication skills.

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about Chinese culture and the belief systems that underpin it. The course helps to explain cultural differences and correct misconceptions.

It will also be useful for learners within China who want a basis for explaining their culture to people from other countries.

• Introduction
• Why do we need to read them?
• How was the book The Analects created?
• How has the book the Analects been received?
• How is "Li(礼)" defined in Confucian and Taoist thinking framework?
• The fundamental conception of "harmony"
• How is "human nature" defined in the Analects?
• Why is “virtue (德)" such highlighted in The Analects?
• Quiz for Week One
• Learning and Self-enhancement
• What are the proper ways of learning in The Analects?
• What is the role of music in self-cultivation?
• What is real intelligence in The Analects?
• What is real bravery?
• Quiz for Week Two
• Family Relationships and Attitudes towards Money
• What are the parent-children relationships depicted in the Analects?
• What are the advised attitudes towards money in the Analects?
• Quiz for Week Three
• Fundamental Conceptions in Confucian and Taoist Philosophical Frameworks
• Why is "Ren 仁" curial for the establishment of a harmonius society?
• What is "Xin （信）"
• Quiz for Week Four
• Elites and Social Governance
• What makes a Chinese Gentleman?
• Why are "scholars" a special class in ancient China?
• How can adversity affect an intelligent person?
• Who are wise men?
• Quiz for Week Five
• Taoist Fundamentals
• Why do Taoists advocate non-action?
• How can a pair of opposites be unified into one?
• Whare are the differences beteen mid-void and mid-way?
• Why does void have functions?
• Why is self-contentment important?
• What is Tao or the Way?
• Quiz for Week Six