1. Confucianism FOUNDER: Confucius Ideas about Social Order Name of Book:
What did Confucius believe about social order, harmony and good government? Confucius believed that people, because of their nature, desire to live in the company of other people, that is, in society.
What are the 5 basic relationships?
1. ruler and subject
2. father and son
3. elder brother and younger brother
4. husband and wife
5. friend and friend
What is Filial Piety?
Respect for parents and elders and ancestors
What did Confucius think about government? The state (government) was regarded as an extension of the family in many ways. It was the duty of the emperor and his officials to set a good example for the people.
Is Confucianism a religion? No. Ethical System rather than religion.
What did Confucianism become a foundation for? Chinese government and social order
Name of Book:
Analects of Confucius
Ideas about Ethical System
Social order, harmony, and good government should be based on family relationships
Respect for rulers and elders is important to a well ordered society.
Education is important to welfare of individual and society
What Confucianism give to
Chinese social order?
1. Belief that humans are good not bad
2. Respect for elders
3. Code of politeness
(still in China now)
4. Emphasis on education

2. Daoism(Taoism) What did Daoism give to Chinese culture and values?
FOUNDER: Laozi
Ideas about Order and Harmony
Laozi believed that governments should do as little as possible and leave the people alone.
“If you seek order and harmony, said Laozi, go up into the hills, sit by a stream and observe a drifting cloud or a soft breeze.”
Daoism is the search for knowledge and understanding of nature.
Ideas about Ethical System
The natural order is more important than the social order
A universal force (“Way”) guides all things
Human beings should live simply and in harmony with nature.
What did Daoism give to
Chinese culture and values?
Humility
Simple life and inner peace
Harmony with nature
Name of Book:
Dao De Ching

3. Legalism FOUNDERS: 1. Hanfeizi Ideas about Social Order 2. Li Si
In harsh contrast (very different) to the followers of Confucius.
They got their name from their belief that the government should use law to end civil disorder and restore harmony.
Legalists taught that a ruler should give rich rewards for people who carried out their duties well.
Ideas about Ethical System
A highly efficient and powerful government is the key to social order.
Punishments are useful to
maintain social order
Thinkers and their ideas should be strictly controlled by the government.
What did Legalism give to
Chinese social order?
Stressed punishment
Believed highly efficient and powerful government was the key to restoring order.