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Chinese Philosophy

Chinese Philosophy. Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. Confucianism. Confucius was known as the “First Teacher” He lived from 551 BC to 479 BC His ideas were written down in the Analects and spread around China by his followers. Confucianism. Confucius believed in the Dao, or the “Way”

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Chinese Philosophy

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  1. Chinese Philosophy Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism

  2. Confucianism • Confucius was known as the “First Teacher” • He lived from 551 BC to 479 BC • His ideas were written down in the Analects and spread around China by his followers

  3. Confucianism • Confucius believed in the Dao, or the “Way” • Two parts of the Dao were duty and humanity • Duty meant putting the interests of others and the community above your own • Duty is also called “work ethic” – if each individual worked hard to fulfill his or her duties, society as a whole would prosper

  4. Confucianism • Five Constant Relationships • Parent to child • Loving and reverent • Husband to wife • Fulfill duties and obedience • Older sibling and younger sibling • Kind and respectful • Older friend and younger friend • Considerate and deferential • Ruler and subject • Benevolent and loyal

  5. Confucianism • Humanity meant compassion and empathy for others • “Do not do unto others what you would not wish done to yourself” • What is another way to say this quote?

  6. Confucianism • Finally, Confucianism argued that society would be best if run by men of superior talent (merit), not who had the most money • This belief frightened the aristocrats of the time, who held power based on their family ties

  7. Daoism • Daoism is a system of ideas based on the teachers of Laozi • Laozi lived around the same time as Confucius (5th-4th century BC) • Historians are not actually sure if Laozi existed, because the only evidence they have is the book that he wrote, “The Way of the Dao”

  8. Daoism • Daoism is similar to Confucianism in that it is a way of life rather than a spiritual belief • However, Daoism is the opposite of Confucianism because it stresses the importance of not acting on the natural order of the universe • The best way to act in harmony with the universe is to not interfere with it

  9. Daoism • “The universe is sacred. You cannot improve it. If you try to change it, you will ruin it. If you try to hold it, you will lose it.” • The true meaning of Daoism is still debated today.

  10. Legalism • Legalism was a third Chinese philosophy that became popular around the same time as Confucius and Daoism. • Legalists were called the “School of Law” because they believed that the best way to run society was through a series of impersonal laws

  11. Legalism • Legalists did not believe that people were good • Harsh and strict laws were necessary to keep the people in line • A strong ruler was required to create an orderly society • The ruler did not have to show compassion to his people, since they were not capable of good

  12. Commonalities Between Philosophies • All Chinese philosophies were ways of life rather than supernatural spiritual beliefs. • All believed in creating a stable, orderly society in this material world rather than appeasing gods or following spiritual laws

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