1. Confucianism & Daoism
Compare & Contrast

2. Similarities Originated in China during the Zhou dynasty
Can be considered philosophies
Founders were contemporaries
Does not concern itself with the underlying causes of the universe
Concerned with human behavior/ethics
Became rivals
Have recorded beliefs
Became popular w/upper class
Influenced Chinese culture

3. Confucianism Recorded sayings are the Analects
Founded by Confucius – a.k.a. The First Teacher
Born in 551B.C.
Upset by violence and moral decay of his age (era of warring states)
Interest in philosophy was political and ethical

4. Confucianism - continued
Concept of duty is expressed in the form of a “work ethic”
Ruler must set a good example
Concerned with social order
Hierarchy in family and state is beneficial

5. Confucianism - continued
Everyone should be governed by the Five Constant Relationships:
Parent and child
Husband & wife
Older sibling to younger sibling
Older friend to younger friend
Ruler to subject

6. Confucianism - continued
Emphasized education
Disagreed with Taoism’s emphasis on mystery and magic
Sense of compassion for others
Golden Rule emphasized
Others should be tolerated
Moderation & balance stressed

7. Daoism (Tao “the way of nature”
Founded by Lao Tzu
Scholars aren’t sure if he really existed
Record of beliefs is Tao Te Ching
Believe that the true way to follow the will of heaven is not action, but inaction (includes government)
Became increasingly formal from the Han period on

8. Daoism - continued
Best way to act in harmony is to let nature take its course by not interfering with it – through humility and frugal or simple living
More associated with a religion (polytheistic) than Confucianism
Emphasized nature’s mystery and magic (a universal force)
Disagreed with Confucianism’s emphasis on political activity and learning

9. Daoism’s influence on Chinese culture
Architecture (temples, palaces, altars, nunneries, & huts)
Temples built in natural environments
Metallurgy
Practiced alchemy to prolong life (elixir) and change other metals into gold
Medical theories and practices
Faith healers and hygienists add to medical knowledge (herbs and plants used to prolong life)
Emphasized direct observation
Poetry