Classical Chinese Philosophies

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Classical Chinese Philosophies
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3 Major Classical Chinese Philosophical Movements

1. Confucianism
2. Daoism/Taoism
3. Legalism

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Confucianism

• Confucius (551-479 BCE)
• Kung Fu-Tzu
• Lived during Period of Warring States
• Scholar taught history, music, ethics
• Main Writings The Analects
• Promoted by his followers, such as Mencius

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Confucianism

• Wanted to restore social order, harmony and good
  government to China
• Ethical system based on relationships and
  personal virtue
• Spoke of the ideal age of the early Zhou Dynasty
• Perfect society
• Superiors looked after dependents
• Inferiors devoted to service

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Confucianism

• Five Basic Relationships in Society
• Ruler and Subject
• Father and Son
• Husband and Wife
• Older Brother and Younger Brother
• Friend and Friend

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Confucianism

• Most of Confucius theories on relationships were
  based on the FAMILY
• Filial Piety Respect for parents and elders
• Necessary for order in the world

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Confucianism

• Argued that a Chinese gentleman was based on
  education and moral standards and NOT based on
  birth
• Bureaucracy Those who run the government
• Courteous
• Precise
• Generous
• Just (Fair)

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Daoism/Taoism

• Founded by Lao Tze (604-531 BCE)
• Book Tao-te-Ching (The Way of Virtue)
• Human actions are not important
• The most important part of society is the natural
  order of things
• The Tao (The Way) guides all things

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Daoism/Taoism

• Search for knowledge and understanding of nature
• To understand nothing, it is best to do nothing,
  to observe nature
• Nature is not jealous, power-hungry
• Does not argue about right and wrong, good or bad

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Legalism

• Practical, political reaction to Confucianism
• Founded by Han Feizi in 3rd century BCE
• Powerful and efficient government was the key to
  restoring order
• Use law to end civil war and restore harmony
• Ruler should provide rewards for good subjects
  and punish those who are disobedient
• Must control ideas and actions of people
• Becomes basis for future dynasties
• Favored by Shi Huangdi in the Qin Dynasty