Chinese Philosophies & Doctrines Confucianism, Daoism & Legalism
Jan 18, 2016
Chinese Philosophies & Doctrines
Confucianism, Daoism & Legalism
Confucianism• Originated in China in 6th century BC
• Founder Kongfuzi...Confucius
• Major Writings:
– Analects: Collection of Confucius’ teachings after his death…these ethics provided the basis for the civil service system in China
– 5 Classics – thought to carry solutions to most problems
Main Beliefs• Focus on Harmony
in Society through the 5 Basic Relationships
• Parent/Child• Elder/Younger• Husband/Wife• Ruler/Subjects• Friend/Friend
• All relationships (except the last), involve the authority of one person over another
• Power and the right to rule belong to superiors over subordinates
• Each person has to give obedience and respect to "superiors“
• The "superior," however, owes loving responsibility to the inferior and must set a good example
5 Basic Relationships
5 Basic Relationships
PARENT (father)• Is kind• Gives protection• Provides Education
CHILD (son)• Shows respect (filial
piety)• Accepts father’s
guidance• Cares for him in old
age and performs the customary burial ceremonies
ELDER (teacher, older brother)
• Sets an example of refinement and good behavior
• Shows consideration toward younger people
YOUNGER (student, younger brother)
• Respects the character and experience of the elder
• Defers to the advice of those with more experience
• Is eager to learn
5 Basic Relationships
5 Basic Relationships
HUSBAND• Carries out his family
duties• Is honorable and
faithful• Provides for his wife
and family
WIFE• Looks after the home• Is obedient• Diligently meets the
needs of her husband and children
5 Basic Relationships
RULER• Acts justly• Strives to improve the
welfare of his people• Is worthy of loyalty
SUBJECTS• Are loyal• Serve their ruler• Honor their ruler
because of his position and character
5 Basic Relationships
FRIEND• Is equal to his friend
and must have respect for him
FRIEND• Is equal to his friend
and must have respect for him
Daoism (Taoism)• Originated in 6th
century BC, during the Zhou Dynasty
• Founder: Laozi (a scholar)
• Major Writing: Dao De Jing… a Chinese classic
Major Beliefs• People should renounce worldly
ambitions and turn to nature and the Dao (Tao), the universal force that guides all things (the Way)
• Emphasize harmony with nature
• Wu Wei – principle of inaction: do nothing unnatural– Focus on inner peace…don’t
compete; don’t seek learning, riches or power; withdraw from public affairs
Legalism – Major Beliefs• Developed from the teachings
of Hanfeizi
• Emphasized strict laws and harsh punishments
• Believed humans were evil by nature and required a strong forceful gov’t to make them obey
• “Heaven is long lasting and earth is enduring. The reason why heaven and earth can live long and endure is that they do not live only for themselves.”
Daoist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
• “To govern is to set things right. If you begin by setting yourself right, who will dare to deviate from the right?”
Confucianist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?• "The only way for a ruler to rule is with an
iron fist and pen to write strict laws."
Legalist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?• “Indeed, customs differ between the past
and the present. To try to govern the people of a chaotic age with benevolence and lenient measures is like to drive wild horses without reins and whips.”
Legalist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
• “When the people are subjected to overmuch government, the land is thrown into confusion.”
Daoist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
• “China without a recognizable leader is preferable to foreigners with all their leaders.”
Confucianist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
• “The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things generously and is without strife.”
Daoist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
• “Leave all things to take their natural course and do not interfere…what is contrary to the Way soon perishes.”
Daoist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?• "People respond to punishment and
rewards, not other people's behavior."
Legalist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
• “Sometimes I have gone a whole day without food and a whole night without sleep, giving myself to thought. It was no use. It is better to learn.”
Confucianist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?• “When it comes to uncles, brothers, and
chief vassals, he should punish them when their advice leads to failure, and promote them when their advice leads to success. He should not promote them erratically.”
Legalist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
• “Let the sole worry of your parents be that you might become ill.”
Confucianist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
• “Do not worry about NOT holding high positions; worry rather about playing your proper role.”
Confucianist
Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
• “If the Way prevails on earth, horses will be used for purposes of agriculture. If the Way does not prevail, war-horses will be bred.”
Daoist