Key TermsConfucianism

DaoismLegalism

Coach Smith

Coach Smith

Throughout Chinese history, there havebeen many great philosophers.

Confucius, an important philosopher living during the Zhou dynasty, sought a way to establish peace and harmony.

He believed that a harmonious society depended on Five Relationships.

In four of Confucius’ Five Relationships, an inferior had to obey a superior person.

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Coach Smith

The proper functioning of society dependedon these Five Relationships according to

Confucius.

Laozi, another Chinese philosopher living during the Zhou dynasty, disagreed with Confucius.

He believed that people needed to live close to nature and follow natural ways or the Dao.

His philosophy is called Daoism.

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Coach Smith

A Daoist understands that a bird is nota fish. A bird does not try to live in water.

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The Yin-Yang is a popular Daoist or Taoist symbol.

Legalism was another Chinese philosophy.

Unlike Confucianism and Daoism, Legalists believed that people were inherently selfish.

Due to their selfishness, wrongdoers had to be punished harshly to prevent future transgressions.

Coach Smith

Coach Smith

During the Qin dynasty, Legalism wasthe official philosophy of China.

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While all three philosophies greatly influenced China, Confucianism became the official philosophy of dynastic China.

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It is important to remember that during theHan dynasty, a scholar had to pass a teston Chinese history and Confucianism to

work in the government.

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In Confucianism, a son must obey hisfather.

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In Daoism, people are encouraged to livenaturally.

List the Five Relationships of Confucianism and explain the proper functioning of each relationship.

Why do Daoists look to nature for understanding?

Why do Legalists believe that harsh punishments are necessary?

Which philosophy had the greatest impact on Chinese history? Why?

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