Confucius

China before Confucius Zhou Dynasty – 1027 BCE - 256 BCE Western Zhou (1046-771) Feudal system of lords, vassals & fiefs Eastern Zhou/Warring States Period (771-221) No unified political system

Confucius 551 BCE - 479 BCE Unspectacular life; tried to promote his ideas unsuccessfully Became China’s ‘greatest teacher’ posthumously

Confucianism Concerned primarily with restoring social stability and order What is the basis of a stable, unified, and enduring social order? a system of social and ethical philosophy “only when character is cultivated are our families regulated; only when families are regulated are states well governed”

Confucianism Secular, humanist 3 Confucian values: xiao - filial piety li - ritual ren - humaneness No division between inner/outer or the self/whole

xiao

Li rites, ceremonies, proper behavior

Ren

Five relationships father-child ruler-subject husband-wife elder brother-younger brother friend-friend What are the 3 organizing principles of these relationships? Status, age, gender

Women & Confucianism “Woman's greatest duty is to produce a son."

Sayings from the Analects Knowing what he knows and knowing what he doesn’t know, is 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. To go too far is as wrong as to fall short.

Confucianism in Ancient China persecuted in Qin Dynasty 221 B.C. - 206 B.C. promoted during the Han dynasty and beyond

Confucianism in Ancient China became key to orthodox state ideology reinforced by the civil examination system “keju”: civil examination from 605 CE to 1905 CE Philosophy, curriculum, state ritual

Taoism Tao Te Ching or Daodejing (The Way & the Power) establishes Taoist (Daoist) philosophy in China Tao – a force that flows through all life (nature); goal is to become one with Tao (follow the way) Te – one’s natural ability to peak by following the ‘way’ Spontaneous process that regulates everything Lao Zi 6th c BCE and Zhuangzi that came later

Philosophy emphasizes: Naturalness –let nature guide you Spontaneity Individual Freedom Simplicity Wu-wei – active non-action; use least amount of effort to get things done; go with the flow!

Ignore political and social laws Man is unhappy because he lives according to man-made laws, customs & traditions that are contrary to the ways of nature So… Ignore political and social laws Reject formal knowledge and learning Discover the nature and “rhythm” of the universe Rely on the senses and instincts

Legalism Legalists: advisers to rulers looking to strengthen their states could be achieved by regulating every aspect of people’s lives through laws & punishments legalist advisers were most influential in state of Qin

Shi Huangdi & Legalism A prince in Qin, became the 1st emperor Many things achieved under Qin rule, but it was short-lived Lesson learned? Force can unify but it is limited; need to emphasize morality over law for stability

What's Your Philosophy of Life? How is a person to live in a world dominated by chaos, suffering, and absurdity?? Confucianism --> Moral order in society Daoism --> Freedom for individuals and less govt. to avoid uniformity and conformity Legalism --> Rule by harsh law & order What's Your Philosophy of Life?