Warm Up: What is a philosophy? How do we use philosophies in our everyday lives?

What is Philosophy?  The study of the principles underlying conduct, thought, and nature of the universe.  Used for teaching a lesson, morals, or to encourage people to think.

Daoism/Taoism:  Founder: Lao Tzu (Laozi)  Who was he?  Liberian for a wealthy prince who was disillusioned by court life  Name translates to mean “Old Master”  Wrote Tao Te Ching  Disappeared into mountains and never heard from again

Beliefs of Daoism  Daoism is most concerned with the individual in harmony and nature  People should live in harmony with nature  People should lead simple, quiet, plain lives  For every action there is a good and bad reaction

Yin and Yang  Associated with both Daoism and Confucianism  Explained in the Tao Te Ching Yin Female Dark Weak Passive Earth Confusion Turmoil Water Conservation Yang Male Bright Strong Active Heaven Peace Serenity Fire Destruction

Confucianism  Founder: Confucius  Who was he?  Remembered as the greatest Chinese philosopher, who studied history and archaeology, and tried to preserve the old ways  Goal was to become a courteous and scholarly gentleman  Wrote a series of books that became known as the Confucian Analects

Beliefs  Strong moral principles  Encouraged ancestor worship  Concerned with harmonious relationships between individuals  Respect for one’s parents – filial piety  Promoted courtesy, wisdom, and benevolence  Education is important  Ideas were idealistic for forming a strong, stable government

Five Bonds  They were the five relationships Confucius stressed: a. Ruler to subject b. Father to son c. Husband to wife d. Older brother to younger brother e. Friend to friend (only equal relationship)

Chinese Proverbs  Proverbs are popular sayings which contain advice or state a generally accepted truth  Confucius was known for his sayings or proverbs  After his death, his followers wrote his teachings down in what became known as the Five Classics

Select two proverbs and write them down in your notes and then explain their meaning.  “If you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work another day in your life”  “What you do not want others to do to you, do not do to others.”  “A man who has made a mistake and doesn’t correct it is committing another mistake.”  “To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.”

Legalism  Founder: Han Fei  Qin Shi Huangdi supported and followed this philosophy  Under this philosophy, laws replaced morality guidelines  Due to Qin’s ruthless persecution of the Confucian scholars, gave Legalism a bad name

Beliefs  Nature of man is evil, goodness is acquired or learned  Greed and fear are the motives for most actions and the cause of most conflicts  Rejected the supernatural and tradition  Only way to achieve peace and stability was to pass strict laws and enforce them with harsh punishments  Strength not goodness was ruler’s greatest power

Exit Ticket Out of the three philosophies discussed in class today, which one would you prefer to follow? Which one would you prefer NOT to follow? Why?