Patriotism as an ethical and social phenomenon in the Confucian treatise Kunzi Jia Yu

Introduction. This article makes an attempt to analyze patriotism as an ethical and social phenomenon. The subject of the study is the content of the ancient philosophical treatise Kunzi Jia Yu (Speeches of the School of Confucius), which is attributed as a Confucian text. Theoretical analysis. The basis for the development of patriotism in Kunzi Jia Yu is the Confucian virtues: filial piety, love for mankind, devotion, etc. Patriotism carries regulatory, harmonizing, integrative and identification functions, as well as the function of ethical self-improvement for an individual. The bearers of patriotic ideas are Confucian noble men, and the ultimate goal of patriotic actions is benefitting one’s state, appeasing the Celestial Empire and personal moral self-development. Being a part of the political doctrine of Confucianism, patriotism as an ethical and social phenomenon has occupied an important place in the philosophical research of prominent philosophers since ancient times, and over time it has become a powerful spiritual force of the Chinese nation. Conclusion. The role of patriotism as the basis for the stability of society and the spiritual achievement of the individual is difficult to overestimate, and at the same time it is necessary to analyze this role and comprehend it in detail in different historical periods, taking into account the specifics of the current world situation. Patriotism in modern Chinese society is a powerful consolidating and spiritual force for the multinational people.