1. Confucianism & Taoism
Compare & Contrast

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

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
Confucian view of Tao is duty (1st Key) and humanity
Concept of duty is expressed in the form of a “work ethic”
Ruler must set a good example

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. Taoism (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
Became increasingly formal from the Han period on

7. Confucianism - continued
Disagreed with Taoism’s emphasis on mystery and magic
Second key is humanity
Sense of compassion for others
Others should be tolerated

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