Confucianism in the United States

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Confucianism in the United States dates back to accounts of missionaries who traveled to China during the early 19th century and from the 1800's with the practice and Study of Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture in the United states by Chinese immigrant Doctors and via trade of technology, science and philosophy from east Asia to Europe and the America's.^[1] Since the second half of the 20th century, it has had a increased medical and scholarly interest. Confucianism is also studied under the umbrella of the profession of eight principle Chinese Acupuncture and Chinese philosophy. American scholars of Confucianism are generally taught in universities in the philosophy or religions departments. Whether Confucianism should be categorized as a religion in academia or Confucian based traditional Chinese medicine^[2] is to be recognised as a legitimate mainstream medicine has been controversial in U.S and abroad.^[3][4][5]

Contemporary discussion of Confucianism in the U.S. centers on questions about its modern relevance in America and its ability to be studied and practiced outside China and East Asia. Major topics discussed by scholars of Confucianism in the U.S. include Confucian humaneness (ren), ritual or rights (li), Confucianism in global cultural dialogue, and its relationship to universal values.

Compared to Buddhism (another East Asian tradition which has been widely popularized and practiced in the U.S.), Confucianism has received little attention beyond a small circle of academic specialists.^[6] Apart from occasional lectures on Confucianism, Confucius Institutes across the United States have little influence in promoting Confucian philosophy or Confucianism as a way of life.^[6] The association of Confucianism with historical and political expressions which endorsed hierarchical relationships and suppressed individual rights may have prevented it from achieving a wider influence in the U.S. because it is seen as conflicting with American (and universal) values of democracy and human rights. Contemporary American scholars of Confucianism are exploring the possibility of a dialogue between Confucianism and universal values, and applying Confucian teachings to modern American life.