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politicalintermediate6 steps · ~56 min

Rectification of Names: Confucius on Language and Social Order

Confucius (in classical Chinese) insists zhengming—proper naming—upholds society: misnaming leads to chaos, linking linguistics to ethics and governance.

Steps

  1. 1
  2. Reading· ~9 min

    Names, Roles, and the Ethics of Discourse

    How zhengming connects to Confucian social roles, ritual, and the virtue of honesty.

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  3. Text Explore· ~8 min

    Analects 13.3, The Rectification Passage

    Read the foundational text of zhengming and trace its logical chain.

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  4. Argument Map· ~10 min

    The Cascade from Names to Order

    Map Confucius's argument from correct naming to social harmony.

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  5. Dialogue· ~10 min

    Dialogue with Confucius

    Challenge the Master on whether language can really hold society together.

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  6. Reflection· ~8 min

    Reflection: Names You Live By

    Reflect on how naming shapes your own social world.

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