Transcript A Comparison of Chinese Philosophies

A Comparison of Chinese
Philosophies
In this lesson, students will be able to identify
characteristics of Confucianism, Daoism, and
Legalism.
Students will be able to identify and/or
define the following Chinese philosophies:
Confucianism
Daoism
Legalism
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Throughout Chinese history, there have
been many great philosophers.
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Confucianism
• Confucius, an important philosopher living
during the Zhou dynasty, sought a way to
establish peace and harmony.
• He believed that a harmonious society
depended on Five Relationships.
• In four of Confucius’ Five Relationships, an
inferior had to obey a superior person.
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The proper functioning of society depended
on these Five Relationships according to
Confucius.
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Laozi
• Laozi, another Chinese philosopher living
during the Zhou dynasty, disagreed with
Confucius.
• He believed that people needed to live
close to nature and follow natural ways or
the Dao.
• His philosophy is called Daoism.
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A Daoist understands that a bird is not
a fish. A bird does not try to live in water.
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The Yin-Yang is a popular Daoist or
Taoist symbol.
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Legalism
• Legalism was another Chinese philosophy.
• Unlike Confucianism and Daoism,
Legalists believed that people were
inherently selfish.
• Due to their selfishness, wrongdoers had
to be punished harshly to prevent future
transgressions.
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During the Qin dynasty, Legalism was
the official philosophy of China.
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While all three philosophies greatly
influenced China, Confucianism became
the official philosophy of dynastic China.
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It is important to remember that during the
Han dynasty, a scholar had to pass a test
on Chinese history and Confucianism to
work in the government.
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In Confucianism, a son must obey his
father.
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In Daoism, people are encouraged to live
naturally.
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Questions for Reflection:
• List the Five Relationships of
Confucianism and explain the proper
functioning of each relationship.
• Why do Daoists look to nature for
understanding?
• Why do Legalists believe that harsh
punishments are necessary?
• Which philosophy had the greatest impact
on Chinese history? Why?
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