Unit 2 Classical Civilizations China & India The Warring States

Warring States 400-225 B.C.E

Chaos and War Zhou dynasty collapsed and local lords began fighting for power and territory This time of crisis became known as the “the warring states” In response to crisis schools of thought were introduced to restore order Confucianism Daoism Legalism

Warring States

Confucianism Confucius (kuhn●FYOO●shuhs) was china’s most influential scholar His goal was to restore social order, harmony, and good government He stressed filial piety in his teachings, or respect for parents and ancestors

5 Great Relationships Confucius taught five great relationships between Ruler and subject Father and son Husband and wife Elder and younger brother Friend and friend

Confucianism and Government Confucius taught that education was the key to moral effective leadership and government To become a gentleman or a moral individual one must follow 4 virtues In his private conduct [one]he was courteous In serving his master [one] he was punctilious [precise] In providing for the needs of the people [one] he gave more than their due In exacting service from the people, [one] he was just

Effects of Confucianism Confucianism was never a religion, but a ethical system based on principles of right and wrong Confucius left a legacy that taught people to engage in learning both to develop one’s personal moral character and to gain knowledge that is useful in serving others

Daoism A Chinese thinker named Laozi (low●dzuh) believed only natural order was important, or the relations among all living things. He describes in his book Dao De Jing (The Way of Virtue) a universal force called the Dao (dow) meaning “the Way” Humans beings should live simply and in harmony and nature

Legalism Two political thinkers Hanfeizi & Li Si believed in a powerful strict government would restore order, creating legalism Rewards and harsh punishments to produce conformity to the rule of clear and well developed laws

Strong Civil Order Legalists believed government must control ideas and actions Burned all academic writings that would encourage(d) criticizing the government

Other Schools of Thought Some people were not interested in philosophy and sought answers through other schools of thought I Ching: Solved by using oracle strategies by making predications based on simple advise & common sense Yin and Yang: Two powers that represent the rhythm of life bring balance and understanding in the world