University of the Pacific--home to the numerous student organizations and activities that are available on the school campus--has an especially large number of fraternity organizations. Most fraternities and large organization clubs, have conflicts and issues among the members. I recommend Confucianism application in a fraternity as the best solution to solve inter-fraternity conflicts I agree with Dr. de Bary that Confucianism is a “life-style and an attitude of mind.” The Confucian principles can have beneficial effects on a person in all aspects of his or her life. Each member of the fraternity can benefit from the application of Confucianism and the fraternity’s conflicts can be more easily dealt with.
The main concern of Confucius was the fundamental principles of humanity. The most common concept of Confucianism is the “Five Relationships,” the relationships that he believed people should live by. They are as follows:
The main concern of Confucius was the fundamental principles of humanity. The most common concept of Confucianism is the “Five Relationships,” the relationships that he believed people should live by. They are as follows:
1. Parent and Child
2. Husband and Wife
3. Elder and Younger Siblings
4. Superior and Inferior in age and status
5. Ruler and Subject
For each of the five relationships to work, the relationship must be reciprocal. The latter (e.g, child) must obey and respect the former (e.g., parent). The former (e.g., parent, older sibling) must protect and guide the latter (e.g., child and younger sibling) on the right path. If one member of the relationship does not fulfill his/her duties, then he/she causes the disintegration of the li (propriety), which will bring the social disorder of the society.
The primary principles of the Confucian tradition are “dao” (the way), “li” (propriety), “ren” (humanness, “de” (virtue), “yi” (righteousness), and “xiao” (loving respectful relationship between children and parents). Confucius believes that the Confucian virtues and tradition should guide society as natural laws.
Proper application of Confucianism in a fraternity would be the most beneficial in minimizing the inter-fraternity conflicts, especially the personality differences among the members. For Confucianism to work, members should practice the concept of li, ren, and yi. Through practicing “li,” the brothers will be “guided by edicts” and “kept in line with punishments.” By practicing “ren,” they would be able to act towards their brothers with benevolence, love, kindness, and humanheartedness. Thus, there would be less discrimination against each other because of their race, circumstances, and strange personalities. If the brothers are able to practice “yi,” they would be acting responsibly with a better understanding of their duty and moral obligation to the fraternity.
In fraternities, I can see some Confucianism in it already, because of the families they create where they have some people act as a mother, father, brother or sister. The upperclassman could be considered superior in age. The board members can be considered the rulers. It's a neat concept. It's probably natural for there to be some chaos, but I agree with you that order definitely does help! :)
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