3 Teachings of Early China Confucianism Legalism Daoism (Taoism)

What is the name of this symbol? Have you seen this before? What do you think it represents?

Confucianism Confucius was born around 551 BC When he was 15, he want to study under a nobleman, where he became the most educated man in China. Confucius became editor of books and the 1st private teacher in China. People from all over China sent their sons to study under him. His teachings, called “Confucianism”, stressed the need to develop responsibility and moral character through rigid rules of behavior.

Confucianism Confucianism is NOT a religion… it is a way of life and a way of behaving. Confucianism focuses on doing the right things in life. It became known as a very rigid “Social Code of Behavior”.

5 Relationships of Confucianism Ruler Subject Husband Wife Father Son Older Brother Younger Brother Older Friend Younger Friend

The Relationships… In all the relationships, one person has AUTHORITY over the other. The superior person in each relationship is to set a proper example for the inferior one. Confucius stressed the idea of FILIAL PIETY – the duty and respect that children owe their parents.

The Analects The Analects are an important collection of Confucius’ work. In Chinese, the word means “conversation”. Sayings: Knowing what you know and knowing what you don’t know are characteristics of the person who knows. Making a mistake and not correcting it is making another mistake. The superior man blames himself, the inferior man blames others.

Legalism Han Fei claimed that people were basically evil but could be guided towards goodness IF Legalism was in place. Legalists rejected the ideas of Confucianism because they believed that people could only act out of selfishness and would respond best to rewards and punishments, not to good examples.

Legalism To legalists, ONLY harsh laws imposed by a strong ruler would ensure order in society. “The Ruler Alone Possesses Power” Major Legalist Principles: Human nature is naturally selfish Intellectualism and intelligence is discouraged Law is the authority and replaces morality Ruler must rule with a strong, punishing hand War is the means of strengthening a ruler’s power

AUTHORITARIAN Idea that individuals should obey a powerful authority rather than have individual freedom

Daoism (Taoism) The founder of Daoism was Lao-Tzu Daoism is a PHILOSOPHY – NOT a religion. It is a way of thinking about life… accepting things for the way they are. China’s support of Daoism ended in 1911 and is not widely practiced anymore.

Dao De Jing Is the basic text of Daoism In Chinese, it means The Classic in the Way and Its Power Written by Lao-Tzu

Daoism’s beliefs about Harmony The three jewels sought after in Daoism are: Compassion Moderation Humility (Modesty)

Major Daoist Principles Dao (Tao) = the first-cause of the universe It is the force that flows through all life (the ultimate reality) A believer’s goal is to become ONE with the Dao; one with NATURE Wu wei = “Let nature take its course; “The art of doing nothing”, “Go with the flow!” Man is unhappy because he lives according to man-made laws, customs, and traditions that are contrary to the ways of nature. If the Dao is not in balance, then it is impossible to find happiness.

The “Dao” (Tao) To escape the “social, political, and cultural traps” of life, one must escape by: Rejecting formal knowledge and learning Relying on senses and instincts Discovering nature and “rhythm” of the universe Ignoring political and social laws

The Universe of Opposites: Find the Balance! YIN: Feminine Passive Darkness Cold Weak Earth; Moon YANG: Masculine Active Light Warmth Strong Heaven; Sun

How is Daoism unique when compared to Confucianism and Legalism? Confucianism  Moral order in society Legalism  Rule by harsh law & order Daoism  Freedom for individuals and less government to avoid uniformity and conformity