The ethical thought in Confucianism mainly includes the following aspects:
1. Three cardinal principles and five constant principles: This is the core content of Confucian ethical thought, which emphasizes the relationship between monarch and minister, father and son, and husband and wife. Relationships should be absolute, selfless, and respectful. This kind of thinking is regarded as an important cornerstone of maintaining social order and stability through education, moral standards and other means.
2. Benevolence, justice, propriety, wisdom and trust: These are the five basic principles of Confucian ethical thought, which emphasize that people should regulate their behavior and the way they do things based on benevolence, justice, etiquette, wisdom and integrity. These principles are regarded as important foundations for building good interpersonal relationships and promoting social harmony in Confucianism.
3. Cultivate oneself, manage the family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world: This is a moral pursuit in Confucian ethical thought, which emphasizes that individuals should realize the ideal of country peace and world peace through self-cultivation and family governance. This idea believes that only with good personal cultivation and good family management can the country's prosperity and social harmony be achieved.
4. The distinction between justice and benefit: This is an important issue in Confucian ethical thought, which emphasizes that people should put morality first rather than profit. This idea believes that only by following morality can real benefits be achieved, while behavior that violates morality may gain temporary benefits, but will eventually lead to greater losses.
5. Theory of Human Nature: This is an important theory in Confucian ethical thought, which believes that human nature is good, but due to the influence of acquired environment and education, human nature may change. This idea believes that through correct education and cultivation, people can maintain their good nature and realize their moral pursuits.
In general, ethical thoughts in Confucianism focus on issues such as interpersonal relationships, moral cultivation, moral principles, etc., aiming to establish a harmonious, stable, and orderly social order and promote individual self-improvement and social progress and development.