1. Three Chinese Philosophies
Confucianism, Daoism, & Legalism

2. The Zhou Dynasty Overthrew the Shang
Mandate of Heaven – divine right to rule China
Increased stability through feudalism
- king gave lords land
- lords gave king soldiers if he was attacked
- lords had absolute power over peasants
- peasants had lord’s protection but had to give lord portion of their crops

3. Confucius

4. Confucius Given name = Kongfuzi (Kohng SHEE-oh)
Lived from 551 BC – 479 BC
Saw that society & government had to change if there was to be peace & order
Society worked well when people acted properly based upon roles & relationships

5. Social Relationships 5 fundamental social relationships
- ruler & subject
- husband & wife
- father & son
- older sibling & younger sibling
- friend & friend
All people must respect & obey those above them – those with authority must set a good example
“Do not do unto others what you would not want done to you.”

6. Influence of Confuciansim
Confucius thought that civil servants (those who work for gov.) should have the ability & wisdom to do their jobs well
Eventually civil servants would be hired on ability by taking exams

7. Other Influences on Society
Respect for elders
Proper behavior
Love of scholarship

8. Laozi

9. The Founder of Daoism Wise man of Daosim was Laozi
Said to be the author of Dao De Jin (The Classic of the Way and Its Power)

10. Teachings of Daoism Dao was force that gave order to universe
Daoism taught that people gained happiness & peace by living in harmony with nature
People followed way of nature by living simple lives of quiet meditation  do not strive to be self-important, accept what comes
Too many laws & social rules got in the way of living naturally & following Dao

11. Yin Yang Yin = shadowed Yang = sunlit
Symbol for balancing opposing forces of nature

12. Influence Of Daoism Encouraged rulers to rule less harshly
Influenced Chinese thought, writing, & art

13. Legalism
Based on teachings of Hanfeizi  like Confucius concerned with creating peace & stability in China
Legalists believed that people were naturally selfish
Not enough for rulers to set good examples

14. Legalism – contin.
Establish strict laws - enforce them with rewards for good behavior & harsh punishments for bad behavior
Rulers should have absolute power backed by military
“He who trusts will be controlled by others.”

15. Influence of Legalism
Hanfeizi’s writings had an immediate influence on the next line of Chinese rulers, the Qin dynasty
They wanted a strong central gov. & well organized society  to achieve these goals they adopted Legalist ideas