The concept of "eight steps" in Confucius' philosophy

Abstract

This article aims to clarify the " eight steps" in Confucius' philosophical thought. These eight principles serve as a guide for rulers in self-cultivation, personal discipline, and the governance of their families and society. These principles are organized in a logical sequence, from foundational to advanced, from simple to complex. There is a close relationship between each principle, which are not separate from but rather complement each other to establish a comprehensive ethical standard. This framework was not only adopted by feudal dynasties in Chinese history but also influenced feudal dynasties in Eastern countries, including Vietnam. In this study, the authors aim at clarifying each of the “eight steps,” providing discussions and implication for further research.