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Major Philosophies of China Confucianism Legalism Taoism The Warring States Period • Warfare broke out between nobles at the end of Zhou dynasty – Led to period of upheaval and chaos – People began to think about the best way to restore: • Social order • Harmony • Respect for authority Confucius • 551 BC- 479 BC • Known as Kongfuzi • Chinese teacher and philosopher • Developed a theory of how to establish stability in China Confucianism • Confucius believed that: – People are naturally good • People should treat each other humanely – Importance of education in creating good, stable government • Need for educated civil servants – Individual must find and accept their proper place in society Confucianism • Believed society should be organized around five basic relationships o Ruler -----Subject o Father-----Son o Husband----Wife o Older Brother----Younger Brother o Friend----Friend The Five Relationship The Five Relationships • Example: – Rulers should practice kindness and virtuous living – Subjects should be loyal and law abiding • Stressed importance of: – Family –Filial Piety • Children should respect their parents and elders – Worship ancestors – Patriarchal society – Education The Analects • Book containing Confucius thoughts on how to improve society • Became the basis for Chinese civil service exams and bureaucracy – Government workers Significance of Confucianism • Cornerstone of Chinese tradition and culture – Adopted by most Chinese • preserved patriarchal society • Spread to areas that were under China’s control or influence – Korea and Vietnam Closure • What is Filial Piety? • What impact did Confucianism have on China? Filial Piety •The Master [i.e. Confucius] said, “In serving his parents the filial son is as reverent as possible to them while they are living. In taking care of them he does so with all possible joy; when they are sick he is extremely anxious about them; when he buries them he is stricken with grief; when he sacrifices to them he does so with the utmost solemnity. These five [duties] being discharged in full measure, then he has been able [truly] to serve his parents.” Legalism • Founded by Han Feizi – Lived during the Warring States period • Became the political philosophy of the Qin Dynasty Principles of Legalism • Human nature is naturally selfish; humans are by nature evil • Rulers needed to be strong and govern through force • Laws must be strict and based on rewards and punishments to maintain order – Supported harsh penalties • Branding and mutilation for minor crimes Principles of Legalism • Placed little value on education – should be controlled by government • Ideas needed to be strictly controlled – Rulers should burn all writings that are critical of the government • War is needed to strengthen the rulers power Daoism • Founded by Laozi • Began during the Warring States Period • Stressed importance of balance in nature – Yin – Yang Feminine Passive Darkness Cold Weak Earth; Moon Masculine Active Light Warmth Strong Heaven; Sun Daoism • “The Way” – The Tao • A universal life force that is present in nature • Guides all things – Human understanding of nature and harmony achieved by following “the way” Daoism • Believed that education and politics are not necessary for harmony – Natural flow of events would solve problems • Rely on senses and instincts • Stressed importance of individuals and less government How do we best achieve social order and harmony in society?? Confucianism --> Moral order in society. Legalism --> Rule by harsh law & order. Daoism --> Freedom for individuals and less govt. to avoid uniformity and conformity.