Chinese Philosophies
Confucius
551 BC- 479 BC
Confucius Life 551-479 BC (Zhou dynasty) Used his teachings to restore social order, harmony, and respect for authority
Ethical Behaviors “VIRTUES” Ancient Traditions Honesty Parents, family & friends Golden Rule
Chinese Society 5 social relationships Ruler / subjects Father / son Husband / wife Older / younger brothers Friend / friend
Government Individuals should Participate in society Vigorous Government action Government rules as a parental figure
Government Bureaucracy / Civil Service Little belief in afterlife
Daoism/ Taoism
Laozi
Laozi’s Life Lived during the 6th Century BC First teacher Natural order was important
“Dao De Ching” (The Way of Virtue) Dao (tow) means the “The Way” Appealed to common people because it’s based in nature
Government Shunned politics Told people not to participate Government should have minimum control over people
Legalism
Emperor Qin
Main Beliefs Highly efficient & powerful government is the key to social order Power & harsh laws for rulers to keep order
Main Beliefs People were basically selfish & untrustworthy so they needed harsh punishments Peace & prosperity is only achieved by severe punishments
Main Beliefs Thinkers & their ideas were strictly controlled by the government Those who obeyed should be rewarded
Naturalism
Yin and Yang
Main Beliefs Dualism of Nature Balanced was searched for Most interested in life on earth Dualism of Nature Balanced was searched for Extremes could not exist for long
Yin & Yang Yang-male, light, hot, active Yin- female, dark, cold, passive Yang-male, light, hot, active Do NOT conflict with each other, but complement & depend on each other for balance
Buddhism
The Enlightened One
Main Beliefs Reincarnation Four Noble Truth’s Eight Fold Path Reaching nirvana Pray at temples