Preview

China's Three Philosophies

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
764 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
China's Three Philosophies
The Three Philosophies China has one of the longest histories in ancient world history. As civilization developed, so did ideas about religion, knowledge, values, society, and the world. Three of the most famous ones were the Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism. There are many different and similar ideas in these three philosophies. Confucianism has many characteristics and ideas for life and social order. It came from the teachings of a Chinese philosopher named Confucius, or Kongzi. His students recorded all his teachings in a book called the Analects, which mainly focused on social and family relationships (4). Confucius believed that respect for others was necessary for peace within society. Confucius thought that human nature is morally neutral, and it is peoples ' choices in their later lives that determine if they are good or bad (1). Two of Confucius 's students, Mencius and Xunzi, argued about whether humans are born good or evil. Mencius believed that humans are inevitably good (1). If one is bad, or “lacks a mind that knows right and wrong,” one would not even be considered human (1). Xunzi 's ideas were more similar to Legalists, who thought that humans were naturally evil. Confucius believed that everyone had his/her own Dao, the way to proper behavior (3). If everyone followed his/her Dao, and were respectful to others, social order would follow. Legalism had very different ideas from Confucianism. Instead of respect for others, Legalists believed that strict laws and harsh punishments were the key to social order. What 's different from Xunzi 's ideas and Legalism was that Legalists thought humans were born evil (4), while Xunzi thought that humans may be born good, but will always turn out bad (1). Legalists disagreed with many of Confucius 's ideas. For example, they didn 't think that the universe has a moral core and everything will end up good. Legalists thought that only firm action with strict laws from the government would bring social


Bibliography: The Essential World History pg. 63 “A Debate Over Good and Evil” The Essential World History pg. 64 “The Daoist Answer to Confucianism” The Essential World History pg 61-64 World History: Ancient to Modern Times Chapter 6 Section 2 (pg. 153-157)
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    Ap World History: Confucianism vs Legalism 9/9 Essay Example
    • 522 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Ap World History: Confucianism vs Legalism 9/9 Essay Example

    Chinese society is most noted for their how they conduct their lives. They thought respect and dignity would bring good fortunes to them alongside gaining respect from other people. Confucianism and Legalism both thought that following all rules and regulations would improve Chinese society for that would decrease the amount of crimes committed. Both systems thought that their leader put emphasis on respect for both rulers knew that this is a key factor in creating a successful society. Although both systems believed this, they both had some differences in making their people do so. Confucianism believed that in order to have a successful society, they need to have powerful administrators. Unlike the Legalists, the Confucianists elected their administrators by creating the civil service exam. This exam was created so the government can know which person is most able to fit the job as a leader in ancient China. Education was one of the most important roles in Confucianism. Confucianists thought that education would bring moral integrity to the people as well as capacity for fair judgment. Confucianists emphasized education mainly to teach the people how to conduct…

    • 522 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Zhou's Mandate Of Heaven
    • 669 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Zhou's Mandate Of Heaven

    It is two main philosophies that started to compete in China 3000 years ago. They were not just philosophies, but state policy options to govern / rule the nation. Throughout the long course of China history, Confucianism came out on top. Most major ruling dynasties in China have adopted Confucianism. It even spread to Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Legalism emphasizes law, or a set of codes, to rule the nation. Everyone is equal before the law (this sense is vague in China); law rewards who obey and punish who violate. Confucianism, on the other hand, emphasizes morality---such as, human nature is essentially good, treating others as you treating yourself; and it stresses social order---i.e. high officials respect the ruler when it comes to state affairs; son respects father, young / inexperienced respect elder / experienced, when it comes to family…

    • 669 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Ap World History Chapter 8 Notes
    • 1399 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Ap World History Chapter 8 Notes

    A sense of propriety, courtesy, respect, deference to elders c. Xiao: Filial piety, familial obligation d. Develop personal ethics and Junzi for bringing order to China 4. Mencius (372-289 B.C.E.), spokesman for the Confucian school a. Believed in the goodness of human nature (Ren) b. Supported government by generosity and humanity 5. Xunzi (298-238 B.C.E.) had a less positive view of human nature a. Believed that humans selfishly pursue own interests b. Preferred harsh social discipline to bring order to society c. Supported moral education and good public behavior B Daoism Featured Prominent Critics of Confucian Activism 1.…

    • 1399 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Change and Continuity in Chinese Government and Culture During 100 Ce Through 600 Ce
    • 358 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Change and Continuity in Chinese Government and Culture During 100 Ce Through 600 Ce

    During the classical era of China there were many cultural changes. The ideas of China changed due to the creation of three distinct religions: Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism. Followers of Confucianism followed the ideas of Confucius; he believed that people should emphasize personal virtue, which included a respect of tradition. Because of those ideas it converted a large population of China. During the Qin and early Han periods Legalism was introduced but never got the amount of approval that Confucianism did. Daoism on the other hand gained many higher up people because of its elaborate spirituality and its traditional Chinese beliefs in nature’s harmony. During this time a set of Five Classics were written by Confucius that was used for Civil Service exams. Also poetry was well paid attention to due to Chinese melodic speech. Finally Chinese art, at this time it was decorative, and stressed careful detail and craftsmanship.…

    • 358 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Legalism Han Feizi: The Mandate Of Rule In China
    • 639 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Legalism Han Feizi: The Mandate Of Rule In China

    There are pros to legalism. You get "rewarded for good behavior" (Bert Bower 5) and it was effective and got the job done. On the other hand, it was a harsh environment, you got punished for bad behavior, property and physical damage. This shows why I think that the perfect teacher should have 10% Legalism. Now I like how Confucianism kept things in order, I like how Daoism was a calm environment and I like how people got rewarded for good behavior..…

    • 639 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Classical China Research Paper
    • 866 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Classical China Research Paper

    Although greatly varied, the three philosophical movements each contributed to the formation of classical China’s civilization. Confucianism centered the Zhou dynasty primarily on good morals, while Legalism influenced the Qin dynasty toward a authoritative government controlled through the military. With Daoism, the Han dynasty was focused on spirituality and harmony with nature. These philosophical movements played a hand in the shaping of Classical China’s…

    • 866 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Confucianism vs Daosim
    • 355 Words
    • 1 Page

    Confucianism vs Daosim

    Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, started off teaching his ideals to only a few students of his, but after he died these beliefs became more popular and even became the framework of some government in china, mainly the Han Dynasty. Confucius believed that keeping family and government parallel to each other and keeping social order was the way to peace. Loyalty and the five relationships; ruler-subject, husband-wife, parent-child, older sibling-younger sibling, and friend-friend, were used to maintain social order. Confucianism stressed the importance of relationships, while Daoism was more about self-worth and finding peace with yourself. People needed to follow their own Dao (way of life) and oath through nature, and not think about hierarchy and obedience to rulers. In Confucianism everyone has their own place, but in Daoism you ignore what society says and find your own way.…

    • 355 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    china
    • 868 Words
    • 4 Pages

    china

    The Confucian system was based on the teachings of Confucius. Confucius spread ideas about political virtue and good government. He was not a religious leader which shifted Chinese values. He emphasized the importance of personal virtue. He believed that if people were taught that they would find a reverence for tradition and a solid political life. Confucius set out to rectify political disorder. He emphasized individual virtuous behavior. He thought that whatever a ruler did, his people would imitate and follow. The people will imitate the ruler’s self control. Confucius set up levels of authority stressing personal restraints and careful socialization of children. Rival Chinese schools are the thoughts and teachings of different philosophers that had different ideas that went against each other, such as Confucianism and Daoism.…

    • 868 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Old Stone Age: The Classical Period In AP World History
    • 1569 Words
    • 7 Pages

    The Old Stone Age: The Classical Period In AP World History

    He studied and reflected on and taught the "literature" at the center of Chinese culture in its formative period. He consolidated the ancient texts and contributed commentaries upon them. He spoke about and answered questions about the most serious matters of concern to human beings. Confucianism is humanism, a philosophy or attitude that is concerned with human beings, their achievements and interests, rather than with the abstract beings and problems of theology. Confucianism was founded by the philosopher Confucius. Confucius lived from 551-479 B.C. In many ways, Confucian philosophy is a middle-ground between the harsh doctrines of the Legalist school of philosophy. Legalist philosophy adheres to rules and custom, but it pushes punishment and discipline, and it lacks the emphasis…

    • 1569 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Ancient China Research Paper
    • 812 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Ancient China Research Paper

    He thought of many rules and even a version of the golden rule saying, "What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others." (The World Book Encyclopedia – 2004 – World book, Inc. – Chicago IL. – Volume 4) Many consider Confucianism as a religion, but it has no clergy and doesn't involve any type of worship. It is more of a guide to mortality and good government. Confucianism originated about 500 BC, and from 100's BC to the 1900's AD Confucianism was the most important single force in Chinese life. This religion influenced education, government, personal behavior, and the individuals' duty to society. Confucianism started because of a philosopher named Confucius, born about 551BC. He believed his society could be saved if it emphasized sincerity in personal and public conduct. The Confucian's believed the key to orderly social life was gentlemen. Confucius believed they were rulers. He wasn't very well known when he came to his death. It was his followers that spread his ideas, Mencius, (390?-305? BC) and there was Xunzi (mid 200s BC). Mencius believed that you were to be born good and he stressed the need to preserve "the natural compassion of the heart" that makes people human. He also emphasized the past as an ideal age and a model for examining present problems. And Xunzi believed "people could be good and live together peacefully only if their minds were shaped by education and clear rules of conduct". (The World Book Encyclopedia – 2004 – World book, Inc. – Chicago IL. – Volume…

    • 812 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Confucianism Dbq Essay
    • 800 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Confucianism Dbq Essay

    Confucius believed that a peaceful society occurred “when all people acted properly based on their roles with others” (Source #1.) To add on, he believed that people should respect and obey those above them. One of Confucius’s goals was “to bring people to a virtuous way of life” (Source #2.) In other words, Confucius didn’t believe in using military power or punishments per Source #4. However, his philosophy does take some actions and doesn’t just let things be. Per Source #3, Confucius said, “People need to treat each other as they would like to be treated.” Using Confucianism would not only inspire students to act properly, but chances are, everyone would be kinder to one another if they used the treat others how you wish to be treated saying in all their actions. Also, students who do a small wrong deed won’t be severely punished, but some action will be taken, just enough to tell the student to stop. To wrap up, Confucianism is the middle pathway to run a…

    • 800 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Confucianism and Legalism
    • 592 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Confucianism and Legalism

    Confucianism and Legalism were two philosophies developed by scholars as solutions to a period of disorder in China. Confucianism and Legalism are similar in that both originated during the Chinese Classical Period; however, they are different in government because Confucianism focuses on having an orderly, respectful, and successful ruler, while Legalism focuses on having an forceful and omnipotent ruler.…

    • 592 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Primary Principles Of Confucianism
    • 117 Words
    • 1 Page

    Primary Principles Of Confucianism

    Confucianism is a religion based on peace and equality. It centers on worshipping ancestors, it is the respect of deceased ancestors whose spirits are believed to control the opulence of others. Filial piety is also another trait that Confucianism centers on, which is the faithfulness to respect the elders of the family by the younger members. Confucianism has 6 main primary principles which is the golden rule, the gentlemanly man of virtue, the proper playing of society’s role, the power of virtue, the ideal standards of conduct, and peaceful arts. Confucius founded Confucianism. Confucius referred to himself as an examiner who deliberately tried to claim the meaning of the past by breathing vitality into seemingly outmoded…

    • 117 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Similarities between Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism
    • 876 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The Similarities between Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism

    Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism were 3 philosophies. They all had a different way of teaching but all of them wanted to end the conflicts in China. In Confucianism everyone had a rule that they had to follow. Confucius believed that well organized society need to have younger ones respect the elders and their parents. Good government and social order should be based on a strong relationship in the family. It also believes that education was important for self and society. Daoism (Taoism) is all about interacting with the society and the world as it already is. Daoism is the understanding of how the world actually works, as in reality isn’t always what we expect. Legalism believed in punishments to maintain social orders and the “free” thinkers with their ideas shouldn’t be spread and should be under the government’s control. They also believed a powerful government is the key to organized society/social order.…

    • 876 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Essay On Daoism
    • 1601 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Essay On Daoism

    Since the ancient time, there were a lot of different religions and teachings in China, and people’s perspectives and attitudes were influenced by these different religions and philosophical teachings in every aspect in their life. There are three major religions, or teachings, that are very important in Chinese history, which are Confucianism (philosophical teachings), Buddhism and Daoism (considered both a religion and philosophical teaching). Confucianism emphasizes the moral standards in human’s daily life ; the Buddhism concentrates on the rituals of the spiritual life ; and Taoism emphasizes the connection of individuals and nature in the harmonious space . These…

    • 1601 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More

Related Topics