PREVIEW: A young boy is caught stealing a loaf of bread in the marketplace. He is brought to the ruler of the city who must decide how to punish him. The boy swears his family is starving and he has never been caught stealing before. You are the ruler’s chief advisor. What will you tell him to do? Make sure you explain your choice.

ACTION A: The boy broke the law and should be punished harshly so he will not do this again. ACTION B: The boy should be scolded and taught why his conduct is wrong, then released with a warning not to steal again. ACTION C: The boy should have no punishment because stealing is a moral issue. The government should not have the right to decide moral issues. He should be returned to his mother who should decide his punishment.

Three Philosophies in China During the later years of the Zhou dynasty, different leaders fought for control and the country was thrown into chaos. Many scholars and leaders argued about the best way to achieve peace and order in society. Three very different philosophies emerged: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. These philosophies each influenced political rule in China.

Legalism Strict laws must be established Government should be powerful People are naturally selfish Punish those who disobey What a Legalist Might Say About Government: “A ruler should establish strict laws and enforce them with harsh punishments.”

Confucianism Rulers should set good examples and govern wisely Try to achieve a just and peaceful society Foster relationships and respect elders What a Confucianist Might Say About Government: “A ruler is like a father, and should be someone who will counsel and lead with care and wisdom.”

Daoism Live in harmony with nature The best rulers are those who rule the least Harmony comes from balancing opposing forces What a Daoist Might Say About Government: “Rulers should be weak and let things alone.”

LIAR’S CLUB

I believe that the best government is the one who governs least. Statement One: I believe that the best government is the one who governs least.

Who is telling the truth? Daoist

All people are born naturally selfish. Statement Two: All people are born naturally selfish.

Who is telling the truth? Legalist

Statement Three: Family is most important; all children should obey their parents and learn from them.

Who is telling the truth? Confucianist

Statement Four: We must strive for peace by forming as many relationships as we can. These relationships must be based on respect.

Who is telling the truth? Confucianist

Statement Five: Humans learn how to behave by living in harmony with the forces of nature.

Who is telling the truth? Daoist

Confucianism Daoism Legalism 1. Kong Fuzi, who was later called Confucius. Confucianism was created between 551 and 479 BC. Laozi founded Daoism sometime between 606 and 530 BC. Legalist believe that people are born wicked by nature and need strict laws to ensure they behave. 1. Proper Conduct 2. Respect for Elders 3. Education 4. Government 2. A universal force connected to nature that can’t be defined, only experienced and felt. Legalist dealt with people of different opinions by arresting them. 3. You should treat authority; loyally, courteously, honestly, faithfully, obediently, and with absolute respect. People can find peace by living simply and in harmony with nature. Legalism believe that lawbreakers and those who failed to report them should be executed. 4. Rulers needed to live according to strong virtues, then the rulers subjects would follow his/her example. Daoist believed that they don’t need a strong government, happiness and peace are achieved through thinking about nature.