Three Chinese Philosophies

1. Three Chinese Philosophies Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism

2. Imagine that it is 350 B.C.E. The ruler of a small kingdom has sent three advisors to learn about the three philosophies. Upon their return he asks them, “What shall I do to rule well?”

3. “What shall I do to rule?” • The first advisor has learned about Confucianism. He tells the king, “Lead by example.” • The second advisor has studied Taoism. He says, “If you must rule, rule as little as possible.” • The third advisor has learned about Legalism. He says, “Set clear laws and harshly punish those who disobey them.”

4. Timeline (All Dates B.C.E.) • Shang Dynasty 1766 - 1112 • Zhou Dynasty 1028 - 256 • Confucius’ Birth 551 • Laozi lived between 5th or 4th Century • Era of Warring States403 - 221 • Hanfeizi’ Birth 233 • Qin Dynasty • Han Dynasty

5. Confucianism

6. Confucius or Kongfuzi • 551-470 B.C.E. • Lived at the end of the Zhou Dynasty • Experienced the disorder of the Warring States

7. Confucius or Kongfuzi • Greatest Chinese philosopher (thinker) and teacher • Deeply respected Chinese traditions including… • Reverence for ancestors • Honor for scholars

8. Confucian Code of Conduct How people should behave and relate to each other so that there shall be peace. Respect & obey those above you. Be a good example for those below you.

10. Silver Rule Don’t do onto others what you would not have done to you

11. Confucius’ Impact on Chinese Culture • Respect for elders • Proper behavior • Love of learning • Civil servants (government workers) chosen for their ability, not because of their place in the social structure. NOTE: Zhou used nobles even if someone else was more qualified.

13. Taoism

14. Laozi or Lao-tzu (Old Master) • Founder of Taoism (The Way) • Author of the Dao De Jing • Very little is known about his life • Worked as an advisor to the Zhou Court for many years

15. Taoism • Individuals need to live in harmony with nature • Believe in a universal force called the Dao, or the Way, that guides all things • All creatures with the exception of humans live in harmony with this force • To relate to nature and each other, each human being had to find an individual way, or Dao

16. Taoism • Accept things as they were • Do not argue about good or bad, they did not try to change things • Do not want to be involved with government • Idea of the Yin and the Yang (two things that interact with each other)

17. Legalism

18. Han Feizi • Lived from 280 to 233 B.C. • Prince of the royal family of the state of Han • Lived at the end of the Warring States period and of the Zhou Dynasty • Searched for a way to find order to society but disagreed with Confucianism

19. Legalism • Humans are wicked and selfish • Humans only do good when forced to • Government should pass strict laws to control the people • Harsh punishments needed to make people afraid to do wrong • Force people to report lawbreakers, or faced severe consequences (be cut in two) • People cannot complain or question the government, or risk being arrested • Burn books that contained different philosophies or ideas