Confucianism & Daoism Compare & Contrast

Similarities Originated in China during the Zhou dynasty Can be considered philosophies Founders were contemporaries Does not concern itself with the underlying causes of the universe Concerned with human behavior/ethics Became rivals Have recorded beliefs Became popular w/upper class Influenced Chinese culture

Confucianism Recorded sayings are the Analects Founded by Confucius – a.k.a. The First Teacher Born in 551B.C. Upset by violence and moral decay of his age (era of warring states) Interest in philosophy was political and ethical

Confucianism - continued Concept of duty is expressed in the form of a “work ethic” Ruler must set a good example Concerned with social order Hierarchy in family and state is beneficial

Confucianism - continued Everyone should be governed by the Five Constant Relationships: Parent and child Husband & wife Older sibling to younger sibling Older friend to younger friend Ruler to subject

Confucianism - continued Emphasized education Disagreed with Taoism’s emphasis on mystery and magic Sense of compassion for others Golden Rule emphasized Others should be tolerated Moderation & balance stressed

Daoism (Tao “the way of nature” Founded by Lao Tzu Scholars aren’t sure if he really existed Record of beliefs is Tao Te Ching Believe that the true way to follow the will of heaven is not action, but inaction (includes government) Became increasingly formal from the Han period on

Daoism - continued Best way to act in harmony is to let nature take its course by not interfering with it – through humility and frugal or simple living More associated with a religion (polytheistic) than Confucianism Emphasized nature’s mystery and magic (a universal force) Disagreed with Confucianism’s emphasis on political activity and learning

Daoism’s influence on Chinese culture Architecture (temples, palaces, altars, nunneries, & huts) Temples built in natural environments Metallurgy Practiced alchemy to prolong life (elixir) and change other metals into gold Medical theories and practices Faith healers and hygienists add to medical knowledge (herbs and plants used to prolong life) Emphasized direct observation Poetry