Mohism

Mohism Founded by Mòzǐ (墨子) 470–391 Teachings in the book Mozi (chapters 8-39) Concerned with saving society Rejects appeal to past Rejects partiality

Mohism Ten principles: 1. Exalting the worthy 2. Exalting Unity 3. Universal Love 4. Against War 5. Economy in spending 6. Economy in funerals 7. Heaven’s Will 8. On Spirits 9. Against Music 10. Against Fatalism

Mohism Three ‘metaprinciples’: It agrees with what the Sage Emperors did It agrees with common seeing and hearing It would benefit the common people

Mohism A principle by which to judge all principles: Does it benefit the country and the people Indicates a kind of consequentialism ‘Benefits’ (利, lì) are simple material goods Makes the ideal state a bit dull

Mohism Universal Love (兼愛, jian ai) ‘Impartial Concern’ Passes the Benefit Test, unlike the partial concern of the Confucians

Mohism Universal Love (兼愛, jian ai) Mz 16.1 (‘Universal Love III’) When we come to think about the cause of all these calamities, how have they arisen? Have they arisen out of love of others and benefiting others? Of course we should say no. We should say they have arisen out of hate of others and injuring others. If we should classify one by one all those who hate others and injure others, should we find them to be universal in love or partial? Of course we should say they are partial. Now, since partiality against one another is the cause of the major calamities in the empire, then partiality is wrong. Mz 16.1 (‘Universal Love III’)

Mohism The Will of Heaven Why pursue good of others? Because Heaven wills it Heaven will reward and punish accordingly Did Mozi really believe in Heaven? Probably yes. The alternative: there is no Heaven but others should believe in Heaven because the belief is good for society

Mohism The Absolutist State People have many interests, which may conflict Mozi said: In the beginning of human life, when there was yet no law and government, the custom was "everybody according to his own idea." … and so arose mutual disapproval among men. … The disorder in the (human) world could be compared to that among birds and beasts. Mz 11.1

Mohism The Absolutist State People have many interests, which may conflict A single ruler is needed to stop this disorder Yet all this disorder was due to the want of a ruler. Therefore (Heaven) chose the virtuous in the world and crowned him emperor. Mz 11.2