Society and philosophy Ancient China Society and philosophy

Chinese Philosophy Between 500 B.C. and 200 B.C., three major philosophies developed in China: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.

Confucius Born about 550 B.C. to a farming family, Confucius lived when rival kings fought each other for power. He criticized the misrule of the kings and urged people to follow the ways of their ancestors.

Confucius Duty is the central idea of Confucianism. Confucius believed people should place the needs of others above their own needs. If each individual carried out his or her duties, society would do well.

“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Confucius To Confucius, the right way to live was similar to the idea known as the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Confucius believed that government service should be open to all men of ability and merit and not limited to those of noble birth.

Confucius Many people honored Confucius as a great teacher. After he died in 479 B.C, his teachings spread throughout China. Confucianism continued to shape Chinese society and government until the early A.D. 1900s.

Philosophy of Daoism The word Dao means “path” and is often translated as “the Way.” Laozi introduced Daoism. He is believed to have lived during the same time of Confucius.

Philosophy of Daoism Daoism instructs people to free themselves from worldly desires and live simply. One aim of Daoism is for people to live in harmony with nature. Many Chinese followed both Confucianism and Daoism. They believed that the two philosophies supported each other.

Legalism Legalism, or “School of Law”, stressed the importance of laws. A thinker named Hanfeizi introduced the ideas of Legalism during the 200s BC. Unlike Confucius or Laozi, Hanfeizi believed that humans are naturally evil.

Legalism Aristocrats supported Legalism because it emphasized force and did not require rulers to consider the needs or wishes of their people.

Chinese Life Early Chinese society was made up of four social classes: aristocrats, farmers, artisans, and merchants.

Lives of Aristocrats Chinese aristocrats were wealthy. They lived comfortably and owned large plots of land. After the father died, a family’s land was divided equally among all of the male heirs.

Farm Life Most Chinese people were farmers who rented fields from aristocrats. Farmers had to pay taxes and work one month a year on government projects. In wartime, they were forced to serve as soldiers.

Lives of Aristocrats Chinese families practiced filial piety. The work done by Chinese men—farming, fighting wars, and running the government—was considered more important than the work done by women.

Lives of Aristocrats Women’s major responsibility was raising children and seeing to their education. Women also managed household affairs and family finances.