CHINA S ANCIENT PHILOSOPHIES Philosophy: A study of basic truths and ideas about the universe. Early periods in China s history were marked by constant warfare between people trying to claim control of the land. Chinese scholars often wondered what it would take to bring peace to the land. Over the course of time 3 distinct philosophies were developed throughout China. In this lesson you will learn about each 3 and decide for yourself which philosophy is best.
LEGALISM Shang Yang was an important Chinese statesman who lived from 390-338 B.C. He supported Legalism and wanted to force people to report lawbreakers. In his mind if people did not report lawbreakers, they should be cut in two.. A belief that rulers should use the legal system to force people to obey laws. Legalists believe that human nature is wicked and that people do good only if forced to. Believed government must pass strict laws. Punishments were needed to make people afraid to do wrong. Legalists do not want people to complain about the government or question what it did. They arrested people who did. Rulers would burn books that contained different philosophies or ideas.
OTHER LEGALIST PRINCIPALS Human nature is naturally selfish. Intellectualism and literacy is discouraged. Law is the supreme authority replaces morality. The ruler must rule with a strong ruling hand. War is the means to strengthen a ruler s power. GROUP DISCUSSION: Discuss the PROS and CONS of legalism. Questions to ponder: How would legalism be a successful/unsuccessful way to rule a village or city? What are the possible ways a person/group of people would/could react to a legalist ruler? How would you react if your ruler were a legalist?
CONFUCIANISM What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others. ~Confucius CONFUCIUS: 551-479 B.C Confucius developed ideas to end conflict and have peace in all relationships. He believed that respect for others was ABSOLUTELY necessary for peace and harmony. Government leaders should set a good example for people to follow. Lead them by means of regulations and keep order among them through punishments, and the people will evade them and will lack any sense of shame. Lead them through moral force and keep order among them through rites, and they will have a sense of shame and will also correct themselves.
THE FIVE RELATIONSHIPS Confucius taught the code of proper conduct for people. In Confucianism there are five basic relationships, each with its own duties and proper conduct. FATHER AND SON ELDER BROTHER AND JUNIOR BROTHER HUSBAND AND WIFE FRIEND AND FRIEND RULER AND SUBJECT Confucius believed good conduct and respect began at home. FILIAL PIETY: treating parents with respect. Authority should be respected. By following these roles, Chinese people found ways to avoid conflict.
CONFUCIANISM: The Analects The Analects was the single most important work of Confucianism. It means, the conversation. The Analects were put together by first and second generation students of Confucius. Knowing what he knows, and knowing what he doesn t know, is the characteristic of the person who knows. Making a mistake and not correcting it, is making another mistake. The superior man blames himself. The inferior man blames others.
DAOISM (Sometimes spelled Taoism) Those who speak know nothing. Those who know say nothing. Man is unhappy because he lives according to man-made laws, customs, and traditions that are contrary to the ways of nature. Lao Tzu/Laozi: 604 B.C -? Daoists believe that a universal force called the Dao (The Way) guides all things. All creatures, except humans, live in harmony with this force. Each individual human needed to find their own way. They had to learn to live in harmony with nature and inner feelings. Let nature take its course. Go with the flow. Daoists did not argue with good and bad, and they did not try to change things. They did not want to be involved with the government.
YIN YANG GROUP DISCUSSION: SAME AS PREVIOUS TWO. YANG: Represents all that is warm, bright, and light. YIN: Represents all that is cold, dark, and mysterious. Daoists tried to understand nature and live in harmony with its rhythms. Yin and Yang, two things that interact with each other. Understanding Yin and Yang helped a person understand how he or she fits in the world. To escape the social, political, and cultural traps, one must reject formal knowledge and learning. They must rely on their senses and instinct. They must discover the rhythms of nature, and they must ignore political and social laws.
SUMMING UP ALL 3 PHILOSOPHIES LEGALISM: Rule by harsh law and order. CONFUCIANISM: Moral order in society. DAOISM: Freedom for individuals and less government. Finding an individual path to follow.