1. Chinese Philosophies & Doctrines: 100 Schools of Thought
Confucianism, Daoism & Legalism

2. Confucianism 522 B.C.E- Confucius begins to teach
(Founder Kongfuzi...Confucius)
Taught social harmony and good government would come to China if people lived according to principles of ethics, good conduct and moral judgment
“Do not do unto others as you would not want others to do unto you”

3. Main Beliefs 5 Basic Relationships:
Focus on Harmony in Society through…
5 Basic Relationships:
Ruler/Subjects
Parent/Child
Husband/Wife
Old/Young
Friend/Friend

4. 5 Basic Relationships
Each relationship had certain responsibilities to follow (479 B.C.E- teachings were collected into works called Analects)
All relationships (except the last), involve the authority of one person over another
Power and the right to rule belong to superiors over subordinates
Each person has to give obedience and respect to "superiors“
The "superior," however, owes loving responsibility to the inferior and must set a good example

5. 5 Basic Relationships Ruler Subjects Acts justly
Strives to improve the welfare of his people
Is worthy of loyalty
Subjects
Are loyal
Serve their ruler
Honor their ruler because of his position and character

6. 5 Basic Relationships Parent (father) Child (son) Is kind
Gives protection
Provides Education
Child (son)
Shows respect (filial piety)
Accepts father’s guidance
Cares for him in old age and performs the customary burial ceremonies

7. 5 Basic Relationships Husband Wife Carries out his family duties
Is honorable and faithful
Provides for his wife and family
Wife
Looks after the home
Is obedient
Diligently meets the needs of her husband and children

8. 5 Basic Relationships Elder (teacher, older brother)
Sets an example of refinement and good behavior
Shows consideration toward younger people
Younger (student, younger brother)
Respects the character and experience of the elder
Defers to the advice of those with more experience
Is eager to learn

9. 5 Basic Relationships Friend Friend
Is equal to his friend and must have respect for him
Friend
Is equal to his friend and must have respect for him

10. Legalism – Major Beliefs
Founder- Hanfeizi (200’s B.C.E.)
Like Confucianism stressed importance of an orderly society, but in the opposite way
Belief in highly efficient and powerful government along with harsh law were the key to restoring power

11. Legalism – Major Beliefs
People were by nature selfish and untrustworthy thus peace and prosperity only achieved by threatening severe punishment

12. Daoism (Taoism)
Daoist ideas traced to teachings of a scholar named Laozi
500 B.C.E. emerges as a major philosophy
Emphasized harmony with nature- rejected formal social structures and idea that people must fill specific roles in society

13. Daoism (Taoism)
People should renounce worldly ambitions and turn to nature and the Dao (“the Way”), universal force that guides all things
Where Confucianism provided one’s place in the social order, Daoism emphasized harmony within the individual, one could be both
People should renounce worldly ambitions and turn to nature and the Dao (Tao), the universal force that guides all things (the Way)
Emphasize harmony with nature
Wu Wei – principle of inaction: do nothing unnatural
Focus on inner peace…don’t compete; don’t seek learning, riches or power; withdraw from public affairs

14. Yin & Yang Chinese theory related to Daoism
Two opposing forces believed to be present in all nature
Yin- cool, dark, female, and submissive
Yang- warm, light, male, and aggressive
For harmony the two must be in balance

15. Confucianist, Daoist or Legalist?
Practice: Who Said it?
Confucianist, Daoist or Legalist?

16. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“Heaven is long lasting and earth is enduring. The reason why heaven and earth can live long and endure is that they do not live only for themselves.”
Daoist

17. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“To govern is to set things right. If you begin by setting yourself right, who will dare to deviate from the right?”
Confucianist

18. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
"The only way for a ruler to rule is with an iron fist and pen to write strict laws."
Legalist

19. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“Indeed, customs differ between the past and the present. To try to govern the people of a chaotic age with benevolence and lenient measures is like trying to drive wild horses without reins and whips.”
Legalist

20. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“When the people are subjected to overmuch government, the land is thrown into confusion.”
Daoist

21. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“China without a recognizable leader is preferable to foreigners with all their leaders.”
Confucianist

22. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things generously and is without strife.”
Daoist

23. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“Leave all things to take their natural course and do not interfere…what is contrary to the Way soon perishes.”
Daoist

24. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
"People respond to punishment and rewards, not other people's behavior."
Legalist

25. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“Sometimes I have gone a whole day without food and a whole night without sleep, giving myself to thought. It was no use. It is better to learn.”
Confucianist

26. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“When it comes to uncles, brothers, and chief vassals, he should punish them when their advice leads to failure, and promote them when their advice leads to success. He should not promote them erratically.”
Legalist

27. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“Let the sole worry of your parents be that you might become ill.”
Confucianist

28. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“Do not worry about NOT holding high positions; worry rather about playing your proper role.”
Confucianist

29. Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?
“If the Way prevails on earth, horses will be used for purposes of agriculture. If the Way does not prevail, war-horses will be bred.”
Daoist