Filial piety is a term associated with which tradition?

• A. Islam
• B. Buddhism
• C. Confucianism
• D. Christianity

Answer: (C)

Filial piety centers on honoring and caring for one’s parents and elders, and it is a foundational virtue in Confucian thought. In Confucianism, the family is the first school of moral development, and respecting parents and ancestors is seen as the starting point for cultivating virtue and proper conduct. This duty extends beyond mere obedience to shape rituals, responsibilities, and relationships throughout society, reinforcing social harmony and the legitimacy of hierarchical roles. The term, often expressed as xiao in Chinese, is emphasized in classic Confucian texts and serves as a model for how individuals should relate to authority and elders in all areas of life. While many traditions value family respect, the explicit and central framing of filial piety as a guiding ethical principle is most closely tied to Confucianism.