Chinese Philosophies & Ethical Codes Grade 7

Confucianism

Born in the feudal state of Liu. Confucius 551 – 479 B.C.E. Born in the feudal state of Liu. Became a teacher and editor of books.

Ren --> humaneness, benevolence, humanity Major Confucian Principles Li --> Rite, rules, ritual decorum (Binding force of an enduring stable society) Ren --> humaneness, benevolence, humanity Shu --> Reciprocity, empathy Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you. Yi --> Righteousness Xiao --> Filial Piety (Respect your elders!)

1. Ruler Subject 2. Father Son 3. Husband Wife 4. Older Brother 5 Principle Relationships 1. Ruler Subject 2. Father Son 3. Husband Wife 4. Older Brother Younger Brother 5. Older Friend Younger Friend

Explanation A good ruler is benevolent, and the ruler's subjects are loyal. A father is loving to his son, and the son demonstrates reverence to his father. A husband should be good to his wife, and his wife should, in turn, be obedient. An older sibling should be gentle to younger siblings, and younger siblings should be respectful of their older siblings. Finally two friends should be considerate and respectful of each other.

Organizing Principles Status Age Gender

Confucian Temple Complex

In Chinese, it means “conversation.” The Analects The single most important Confucian work. In Chinese, it means “conversation.” Focus on practicalities of interpersonal relationships and the relationship of the role of rulers and ministers to the conduct of government.

Making a mistake and not correcting it, is making another mistake. Sayings from The Analects Knowing what he knows and knowing what he doesn’t know, is characteristics of the person who knows. Making a mistake and not correcting it, is making another mistake. The superior man blames himself; the inferior man blames others. To go too far is as wrong as to fall short.

Stones Engraved with Confucius' Life Stories

Confucius' Tomb

Starts off with the assumption that “people are basically good.” Mencius 372 - 289 B.C.E. Disciple of Confucius. Starts off with the assumption that “people are basically good.” If someone does something bad, education, not punishment, is the answer. Good people will mend their ways in accordance to their inherent goodness.

Social relationships are based on “rites” or “rituals.” Social Cohesion is Paramount! The emperor is the example of proper behavior --> “big daddy” Social relationships are based on “rites” or “rituals.” Even religious rituals are important for SOCIAL, not religious reasons, acc. to Confucius.

Legalism

Lived during the late Warring States period. Han Fei 280? - 233 B.C.E. Han Fe Zi. Lived during the late Warring States period. Legalism became the political philosophy of the Qin [Ch’in] Dynasty.

2. Intellectualism and literacy is discouraged. Major Legalist Principles 1. Human nature is naturally selfish. 2. Intellectualism and literacy is discouraged. 3. Law is the supreme authority and replaces morality. 4. The ruler must rule with a strong, punishing hand. 5. War is the means of strengthening a ruler’s power.

The ruler, therefore, “cracks his whip” on the backs of his subjects! Authoritarian One who favors the principle that individuals should obey a powerful authority rather than exercise individual freedom. The ruler, therefore, “cracks his whip” on the backs of his subjects!

Daoism or Taoism

His name means “Old Master” Lao Zi [Lao-Tzu] Not sure when he died. [604 B.C.E. - ?] His name means “Old Master” Was he Confucius’ teacher?

The basic text of Daoism. The Dao De Jing The basic text of Daoism. In Chinese, it means The Classic in the Way and Its Power. “Those who speak know nothing: Those who know are silent.” These words, I am told, Were spoken by Laozi. If we are to believe that Laozi, Was himself one who knew, How is it that he wrote a book, Of five thousand words?

Major Daoist Principles 1. Dao [Tao] is the first-cause of the universe. It is a force that flows through all life. 2. A believer’s goal is to become one with Dao; one with nature. [“The butterfly or the man?” story.] 3. Wu wei --> “Let nature take its course.” --> “The art of doing nothing.” --> “Go with the flow!” 4. Man is unhappy because he lives acc. to man-made laws, customs, & traditions that are contrary to the ways of nature.

1. Rejecting formal knowledge and learning. The "Dao" [Tao] To escape the “social, political, & cultural traps” of life, one must escape by: 1. Rejecting formal knowledge and learning. 2. Relying on the senses and instincts. 3. Discovering the nature and “rhythm” of the universe. 4. Ignoring political and social laws.

Taoism (Daoism) Continued… Trust your instincts and gut Reject hate and intolerance Three jewels: compassion, moderation, and humility Violence is a last resort Stress, bad deeds, and sin will result in illnesses Do not lie, kill, steal but instead give charity, be kind, and helpful Involves meditation, feng shui, fortune telling, yoga, speaking to mountains and martial arts

Masculine Feminine Active Passive Light Darkness Warmth Cold Strong The Universe of Opposites: Find the Balance! Yin Masculine Active Light Warmth Strong Heaven; Sun Feminine Passive Darkness Cold Weak Earth; Moon Yang

Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) grew up in a wealthy family. He decided to follow a path of self-denial, but did not find truth until he sat down under a tree, now known as the Bodi tree. There he was "enlightened" The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism: 1) existence is suffering, 2) the cause of suffering is craving and attachment, 3) suffering ceases at some point and turns to Nirvana (liberation or total bliss) and 4) there is a path to Nirvana which is made up of eight steps, sometimes called the Eightfold Path.

Buddhism continued…. The Eightfold Path to Nirvana is to be "right" in all these areas: concentration, views, speech, resolve, action, livelihood, effort, and mindfulness. Buddhists believe in reincarnation and that one must stop the cycle of rebirth as a suffering, selfish individual, and must attain Nirvana, which is the highest point and the end of the self. Karma is the belief that good deeds/behavior will be visited back on individuals as well as bad deeds/behavior. This is the basis for living a good, moral life.

Neo-Confucianism Combination of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism both in personal and political views Neo-Confucianism is perhaps an expression of the tendency to seek “harmony” in all things Neo-Confucians sought to uncover the “pattern” of all things Focused on this world and the afterlife

Buddhism  Get rid of wants and desires and live a good moral life The Uniqueness of Daoism How is a man to live in a world dominated by chaos, suffering, and absurdity?? Confucianism --> Moral order in society. Legalism --> Rule by harsh law & order. Daoism --> Freedom for individuals and less govt. to avoid uniformity and conformity. Buddhism  Get rid of wants and desires and live a good moral life

What's Your Philosophy of Life?