End of the Zhou Dynasty – Region warlords constantly challenged Zhou power – Period prompted debate on how to solve China’s many problems – Several different philosophies developed Legalism Daoism Confucianism

Legalism Beliefs centered on the idea that humans are naturally evil – Would/could only obey authority through force Advocated – Strict laws – Harsh punishments – Sacrifice of personal freedom for the good of the state Qin Dynasty (Shi Huangdi) were legalists – Forced subjects to contribute their labor to build public works – Criticized by Confucians (the Confucians were sentenced to death) – Burned all books of philosophy, ethics, history, literature, etc. Only allowed books of practical use

Laozi – Known as “The Old One” – The text of the Tao Te Jing is attributed to him – Said to have debated with Confucius Zhuangzi (d. 329 BCE) – Philosopher and essayist – Pursued relativism and mysticism

Only the far greater cosmic world of nature matters—natural order is more important than the social order – From the cosmos one must seek guidance Model your life after water and flow around things – Go with the flow rather than constantly trying to change things Main text is the Tao Te Jing – The teachings and philosophies of Laozi Merged with folk beliefs (like animism, worship of natural forces, belief in the supernatural etc.) and formed a religion – Has monks, priests, temples etc. – Developed a pantheon of gods They are polytheistic – Created their version of a Buddhist heaven Their search for medicinal herbs contributed to the growth of Chinese medicine

Developed around 500 BCE Considered more of a philosophy than a religion – Avoids mention of theology, any afterlife, or other religious matters Has had more impact on belief and behavior than any of the other great religions – Followers accept and follow the teachings more thoroughly than any other system – 1/3 of the world lived this philosophy for over 2,000 years

Confucius ( BCE) – Son of a minor official – Became a teacher and occasional advisor to low-level officials – After his death his students began recording his teachings and passing around to others Mencius ( BCE) – Later follower who zealously spread the teachings of Confucius

Confucianism is a set of ethical rules and moral philosophy Human-centered and life celebrating – Hard work, achievement, and material prosperity and its enjoyment were valued and pursued Beliefs – People are born naturally good and naturally inclined to virtue, but need education and the virtuous example of superiors to stay that way – People must WANT to do right – It is the right of the people to rebel against rulers who have lost the Mandate of Heaven – Order of Right Relationships Subject-Ruler Husband-wife Father-son Elder brother-younger brother Mandate of Heaven New Ruler New Dynasty