THE FIRST CHINESE EMPIRESChapter 6

SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT IN ANCIENT CHINA

Confucianism Daoism Legalism

CONFUCIANISM Under Zhou Dynasty Confucius was known to the Chinese as the First Teacher Confucius was born in 551 BC Upset by the violence and moral decay of his era Traveled around China to persuade political leaders to

follow his ideas Book of teachings: Analects

CONFUCIANISM Confucius provided a set of ideas that eventually became

widely accepted Confucius’ ideas were not spiritual but they were

philosophical and dealt with politics and ethics Believed it was useless to speculate on spiritual questions

CONFUCIUS 2 elements: Dao (Way):

Duty and humanity Five Constant Relationships:

Parent and child Husband and wife Older sibling and younger sibling Older friend and younger friend Ruler and subject *Each people had a duty to the other

Humanity- people are supposed to have compassion and empathy for others

CONFUCIUS Taught that humans are basically good His message was widely spread throughout China Stressed a return to the Golden Age of China Believed government service should be open to all men

of superior talent and not limited to those of noble birth

DAOISM Daoism was a system of ideas based on

the teachings of Laozi or Old Master Book of teachings: The Way of the Dao Concerned with proper forms of human

behavior Daoists believe that the way to follow the

will of Heaven is not through action but inaction.

The best way to act in harmony with the universal order is not to interfere with the natural order.

LEGALISM Legalism proposed that human

beings are evil by nature Referred to as the “School of Law” Rejected Confucian view that

government by “superior men” could solve society’s problems.

Believed a strong ruler was required to create an orderly society

Believed only harsh laws and stiff punishments would cause the common people to serve the interest of the ruler.