Neo-Confucianism

Neo-Confucianism is a philosophical movement that emerged in China during the Song Dynasty (11th century) as a revival and reinterpretation of Confucian thought. It blends traditional Confucian values, emphasizing ethics, social harmony, and proper conduct, with elements of Buddhism and Daoism. Key figures, like Zhu Xi, introduced concepts such as "li" (principle) and "qi" (matter), which explain the relationship between the universe and human behavior. Neo-Confucianism influenced East Asian culture, especially in education, governance, and moral philosophy, advocating for a rational understanding of reality and the importance of cultivating personal virtue and societal morality.