2.  Confucius 551BC-479 BC

3.  Confucius was interested in ways to organize a good society.  His teachings were collected into a book called the ANALECTS  His code stressed virtues such as loyalty, courtesy, hard work and kindness

4.  These relationships defined a persons place in society. ◦ 1. Ruler and Subject ◦ 2. Parent and Child ◦ 3. Husband and Wife ◦ 4. Older Brother and Younger Brother ◦ 5. Friend and Friend

5.  In each relationship, each individual had responsibilities or duties toward the other.  Family relationships were stressed.

6.  Loyalty and respect for authority were essential to the family.  The GOAL was ORDER in society.

7.  Ideals shaped Chinese society  Chinese law based on Confucian principles  Respect for elders dominated family life  Emperors built temples honoring Confucius in every province

8.  Confucian scholars became the main force in government  Candidates for government office had to memorize the Five Classics and the Four Books which contained the teachings of Confucius and his followers.

9.  Philisophy and religion founded by Lao-Tse  Teachings in Tao Te Ching or the Way and Its Power  Rejected the rules set by Confucius.  He stressed simplicity, meditation and a closeness to nature

10.  Goal of life was to become attuned to the TAO  TAO was a universal force that could not be defined only felt  TAO was the road or the way a person followed to reach that goal  A person reached harmony with nature through contemplation not reason.

11.  Best government was one that governed least.  Concerned with improving a person’s life in this world rather than saving souls.  Taoist priests provided charms and magic to influence the spirits.  Taoism popular among the common people.

12.  Recorded the planets  Observations in chemistry and botany  Priests invented gunpowder for use in firecrackers to ward off the ghosts.

13.  Magnetic compass developed for the position of graves  Magnetic compass made long ocean voyages possible

14.  Han Fei Tzu was the chief supporter.  Not interested in ethical conduct of Taoists or their use of mediation.  Efficient government.  Ruler should have absolute power.

15.  Unquestioning obedience to authority  People are easily swayed by greed or fear.  Only the ruler knew how to look after their best interest

16.  Rulers make laws as needed, enforcing them with rich rewards and severe punishment  Rule by law is FAR SUPERIOR to Confucian idea of rule by good example  Low opinion of human nature. Did not believe people were capable of loyalty, honesty, or trust.

17.  Threat of harsh punishment would ensure order and stability in society  In 221 BC the Qin emperor Shi Huangdi used Legalism to unify China.