Confucius 551BC-479 BC Confucius was interested in ways to organize a good society. His teachings...

Asian Philosophies

Confucius 551BC-479 BC

Confucianism

Confucius was interested in ways to organize a good society.

His teachings were collected into a book called the ANALECTS

His code stressed virtues such as loyalty, courtesy, hard work and kindness

Code of Conduct

These relationships defined a persons place in society.◦1. Ruler and Subject◦2. Parent and Child◦3. Husband and Wife◦4. Older Brother and Younger Brother◦5. Friend and Friend

FIVE BASIC RELATIONSHIPS

In each relationship, each individual had responsibilities or duties toward the other.

Family relationships were stressed.


Loyalty and respect for authority were essential to the family.

The GOAL was ORDER in society.


Ideals shaped Chinese society Chinese law based on Confucian principles

Respect for elders dominated family life

Emperors built temples honoring Confucius in every province

Impact of Confucianism

Confucian scholars became the main force in government

Candidates for government office had to memorize the Five Classics and the Four Books which contained the teachings of Confucius and his followers.

Impact of Confucianism

Philisophy and religion founded by Lao-Tse

Teachings in Tao Te Ching or the Way and Its Power

Rejected the rules set by Confucius.

He stressed simplicity, meditation and a closeness to nature

TAOISM or Daoism “The Way”

Goal of life was to become attuned to the TAO

TAO was a universal force that could not be defined only felt

TAO was the road or the way a person followed to reach that goal

A person reached harmony with nature through contemplation not reason.

TAO taught:

Best government was one that governed least.

Concerned with improving a person’s life in this world rather than saving souls.

Taoist priests provided charms and magic to influence the spirits.

Taoism popular among the common people.

TAO taught:

Recorded the planets Observations in

chemistry and botany Priests invented

gunpowder for use in firecrackers to ward off the ghosts.

Taoists emphasis on nature shaped Chinese science and technology

Magnetic compass developed for the position of graves

Magnetic compass made long ocean voyages possible

Taoists emphasis on nature shaped Chinese science and technology

Han Fei Tzu was the chief supporter.

Not interested in ethical conduct of Taoists or their use of mediation.

Efficient government.

Ruler should have absolute power.

LEGALISM

Unquestioning obedience to authority

People are easily swayed by greed or fear.

Only the ruler knew how to look after their best interest

Legalism-Authoritarian Philosophy

Rulers make laws as needed, enforcing them with rich rewards and severe punishment

Rule by law is FAR SUPERIOR to Confucian idea of rule by good example

Low opinion of human nature. Did not believe people were capable of loyalty, honesty, or trust.


Threat of harsh punishment would ensure order and stability in society

In 221 BC the Qin emperor Shi Huangdi used Legalism to unify China.


Confucius 551BC-479 BC Confucius was interested in ways to organize a good society. His teachings...

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