1. China’s Ancient Philosophies
Legalism
Confucianism
Daoism

2. Warring States The last period we talked about 403 B.C.
Chinese society was experiencing disorder
Lords and kings fought with each other
Many people wondered what it would take to develop peace.
During this lesson we will learn about the three philosophies the Chinese followed.

3. Legalism Belief that rulers should force people to obey laws.
Many people who believed this thought a strong government was the answer to Chinese problems
Belief that human nature is wicked
People were only good if they were forced to behave that way
Harsh punishments were needed to make people afraid
EQ: How did Legalism suggest that society be controlled?
Strict laws and control the way people behave
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4. To help fulfill Legalism
Force people to report law breakers
If they did not, they would receive harsh punishments*
Their would be a reward for reporting law breakers
Arrested people who questioned the government
Taught rulers to burn books that contained different philosophies**
*Cut people in two
**We will learn about Shi Huangdi, the ruler who ordered different belief books to be burnt.
Review: Why did Legalist want a strong government?
Legalist believed that people needed to be strictly controlled to provide an orderly society.
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5. Confucianism Confucius lived from 551 to 479 B.C.
Developed ideas to have peace
Respect for others is necessary
Government leaders should set an example of the expected behavior
Confucius students collected his ideas and wrote Analects*
EQ: What actions did Confucius believe would bring order to China?
Proper conduct as outlined in the five relationships
*Analects tells of Confucius’ teachings. This is what formed the PHILOSOPHY of Confucianism.
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6. Five Basic Relationships
Five Relationships
Taught a code of proper conduct for people
Five relationships
Each relationship has their own duties
Two basic categories
Proper conduct in family
Proper conduct in society
Five Basic Relationships
Father and son
Elder brother and junior brother
Husband and wife
Friend and friend
Ruler and subject
Which relationships do you think is society? Which is family?
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7. Proper Conduct Confucius believed Proper conduct began at home
Filial Piety:
Is the cornerstone of the social structure.
This is treating parents with respect
Proper conduct began at home
Husbands were good to their wives
Wives obeyed their husbands
Brothers were kind to brothers
Older brother was more in charge
In society, authorities should be respected
Rulers responsibility to respect his subjects and live correctly
It was believed that if all of these behaviors were followed there would be peace in society.
Set out clear family and social roles
If they were followed people would be able to find ways to avoid conflict.
Many rulers tried to live up to Confucius/ model for a good ruler.
Confucius encouraged education which laid the groundwork for fair government officials.
Review:
How did Confucius think rulers should behave?
Set an example of good morals and conduct
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8. Daoism Philosophy is said to have began with Laozi*
Universal force called the Dao, guides all things
To relate to nature humans have to find their own individual way
Learn to live in harmony with nature and inner feelings
EQ: What did the Daoists believe about sociey?
Individuals had to live in harmony with nature and inner feelings
*Not sure if he really exsisted
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9. Following Daoism Did not argue about good or bad
Did not try to change things
Did not want to be involved with the government
Yin and yang, two things that interact
Black stands for cold, dark, mysterious
White stands for warm bright light
Forces complement one another
Daoism accepted things as they were.
Tried to understand nature and live in harmony with its rhythms
Forces are always changing and evolving
REVIEW:
Why did Daoism teach that each human had to find an individual way to follow life?
Because there were no rules for correct conduct. Each person had to live in harmony with the forces of nature.
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10. Comparing the philosophies
Legalism
Confucianism
Daoism
Legalism
Confucianism
Daoism
Humans wicked
Respect in all relationships
All things guided by a universal force
Strict laws are needed
Established clear roles
Sought harmony with nature
Legalism: humans are wicked and need strict laws and punishments
Confucius taught a code of proper conduct, including respect, that humans could learn
Daoism: held the view that each human must find an individual moral path to follow