Intro to Chinese Philosophy Views on Man, Government, and Nature

The Climate End of the Zhou dynasty End of the Zhou dynasty Disjointed kingdom that existed in chaos Disjointed kingdom that existed in chaos Questions of what a good leader should be and what a good subject should be Questions of what a good leader should be and what a good subject should be All of this lead to what we now know as the 100 schools period- a golden age of Chinese philosophy.

The Men Confucius- orphaned, impoverished scholar of the noble class. Was denied a government post and opened a school instead. The failed “family man”. Confucius- orphaned, impoverished scholar of the noble class. Was denied a government post and opened a school instead. The failed “family man”. Mozi- artisan who worked his way up and, like Confucius, is believed to have opened a school. The hippie intellectual. Mozi- artisan who worked his way up and, like Confucius, is believed to have opened a school. The hippie intellectual. Laozi- semi-mythical, maybe a composite of several actual historical figures. Anti- authoritarian. The anarchist. Laozi- semi-mythical, maybe a composite of several actual historical figures. Anti- authoritarian. The anarchist.

The Philosophies Confucianism (named for Confucius) Confucianism (named for Confucius) Daoism (led by Laozi) Daoism (led by Laozi) Moism (named for Mozi) Moism (named for Mozi) Legalism Legalism

Legalism People are bad by nature (simple, right!) People are bad by nature (simple, right!) … THEREFORE, we need a strong government with strict laws and harsh punishments to keep evil under control. … THEREFORE, we need a strong government with strict laws and harsh punishments to keep evil under control.

Moism In a nutshell: Love, and love alone can solve all problems In a nutshell: Love, and love alone can solve all problems Believed in universal love: equal love for all, whether ruler, subject, family, strangers. Believed in universal love: equal love for all, whether ruler, subject, family, strangers.

Daoism Goal: to find Dao, or “ the way ” of the universe Goal: to find Dao, or “ the way ” of the universe How: by being in harmony with nature and with one ’ s feelings How: by being in harmony with nature and with one ’ s feelings Wanted a small, simple society, not too much government Wanted a small, simple society, not too much government Had a few leaders before Laozi Had a few leaders before Laozi Holy Book: the Dao De Ching Holy Book: the Dao De Ching

Confucianism Looked for Dao in the smooth, harmonious relationships between families, people, and governments Looked for Dao in the smooth, harmonious relationships between families, people, and governments Stressed the importance of five basic relationships: husband and wife, father and son, older and younger brother, friend and friend, ruler and subject. Stressed the importance of five basic relationships: husband and wife, father and son, older and younger brother, friend and friend, ruler and subject. Believed government should be based on the example of virtue, not on laws and punishment. Believed government should be based on the example of virtue, not on laws and punishment.

Breakdown of Philosophical Positions ConfucianismMoismLegalismDaoism HumanNature Good within boundaries Good, can be short sighted bad Neither good nor bad Gov ’ t Rule by example, like a good father Rule by men of learning Rule by strict law. Any gov ’ t is pointless. RightConduct Sincerity, loyalty, kindness, respect Universal love Obedience to strict laws Simple, thoughtful lifestyle

Writing Prompt for Homework Which of the four philosophies we learned about do YOU like the most? Why? Answer in a paragraph.