China’s search for political and social order

CHINA’S SEARCH FOR POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ORDERFrom Chaos to Unification

Period of the Warring States• Lasted from 403 – 221 B.C.E.• There were seven powerful states

vying for domination.• Yan• Zhao• Qi• Wei• Han• Chu

• Largest territory

• Qin• Most Powerful

• The state of Qin eventually conquered them all bringing the Period of the Warring States to an end.

The Search for Order During the Chaos

• During the Period of the Warring States, people desired and sought social and political order.• Some people withdrew from society.

• Concerned themselves only with their individual tranquility

• Some people searched for order within society.• Considered the proper roles of people in society• Explored philosophical systems as a possible means of restoring

order

Philosophical Systems

• There were three main philosophical systems that gained importance in China during this time.• Confucianism• Daoism• Legalism

• These philosophies greatly influenced China’s culture in two ways.• Political traditions• Cultural traditions

Confucianism• Founded by Kong Fuzi (551-479 B.C.E.)• Emphasized morality and leading by

example• He sought to create junzi, individuals

who were well educated with

superior morality.• He hoped that by creating junzi, they

would gain influence and become

leaders, bringing order and morality

to the government and people of China.• Aside from his political beliefs, he also

emphasized morality and ethics which are

represented in the virtues of Confucianism.

Virtues of Confucianism• Xiao• Filial piety• Respecting your parents and family elders• Taking care of them• Supporting them in old age• Honoring them after death

• Ren• Benevolence• Charity• Humanity

• Li• Correct behavior• Politeness• Ceremony• Worship

Virtues of Confucianism (cont’d)• Yi

• Honesty• Uprightness• Zhong•Conscientiousness• Loyalty•Doing your best

• Shu•Reciprocity•Consideration for others•Altruism

Virtues of Confucianism (cont’d)• Zhi• Knowledge• Wisdom

• Xin• Faithfulness• Integrity

“To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.”

- Kong Fuzi, also known as Confucius

Daoism• Founded by Laozi (6th century B.C.E.)• Emphasizes inaction and harmony• Daosists believe that less government is

better and do not involve themselves

with politics. • Main focuses of Daoism• Nature• Health and longevity• The relationship between humanity

and the cosmos• Achieving harmony with the universe

Virtues of Daoism• Wuwei• The main virtue of Daoism• Translates as “without action” or “action through inaction”

• The “Three Treasures” or “Three Jewels”• Ci• Compassion• Love• Kindness

• Jian• Moderation• Economy• Restraint

• Wei tianxia xian• Translates “Not dare to be first in the world”• Humility• Modesty

Legalism• Founders were Shang Yang, Han Feize and other Legalists

(390 B.C.E. – 338 B.C.E.)• Did not address ethics or morality• Emphasized military and agriculture as the main

contributors to a state’s strength• Legalism philosophy had tools instead of

virtues.

Tools of Legalism

• Fa• Translates as “law or principle”• Law must be made public.• Laws must be clearly understandable.• Laws should reward or punish according to behavior.• All people under the law must be treated the same in accordance with it.

• Shu• Translates “method, tactic or art”• The ruler must keep secrets to ensure that others do not take control.• The ruler must keep his motivations hidden so that they can not be used

by people to advance within the organization.

Tools of Legalism (cont’d)• Shi• Translates “legitimacy, power or charisma”• The position holds the power, not the ruler.• The ruler must analyze trends, context and facts to keep his power

as ruler.

Conclusion

• The people of China mainly concentrated on three philosophical systems in their efforts to bring political and social order to the chaos during the Period of The Warring States.

• Confucianists sought to attain order through activism.• Daoists sought order through inactivity.• Legalists sought to bring about order through governmental control and

enforcement.

• In the end, it was Legalism that ended the Period of the Warring States and Unified China.