1. Classical China
600BCE –600 CE

2. Belief Systems Zhou Period (Western & Eastern) Warring States Period
Creative Period
100 Schools of Thought
Confucianism
Legalism
Daoism

3. What do the three Belief Systems have in Common?
Religion or Philosophy?
Goal: Search for order
A political treaties of sorts
Founders were contemporaries of one another
No discussion of Gods
Not a search for salvation - afterlife
Deals with life here – and – now!

4. Points of Difference Founder’s view of…
Nature of Man
Role of Government
Proper function of Government
“Ideal man”
Impact on classical China and its people

5. Founder Confucianism Legalism Confucius Han Feizi Analects
Teacher
Scholar
Legalism
Han Feizi
Originally Confucian trained
Writings influenced Shi Huangdi (Qin)
Daoism
Lao Zi
The Way

6. Man: Nature & Propriety
Legalism
Essentially bad
Praise the right
Blame the wrong
Do not fawn on the noble
Confucianism
Essentially good
Education necessary
Filial piety
Virtue
Good example
5 Relationships
Daoism
Essentially good
Renounce learning
Humility
Go with flow

7. Government: Role & Function
Legalism “The two handles” Chastisement & commendation Death/torture- severe penalty Rewards
Confucianism Lead by virtue Uniformity Filial and kind leadership Advance the good Teach the incompetent
Daoism
Freedom from action
“I will do nothing, and people will be transformed”

8. What connections can you make to Hinduism and Buddhism?
Proper Behavior
What would Confucianists/Legalists consider to be their dharma?
Connection to Government
What Indian Empires/Rulers would be natural Confucianists? Legalists?

9. Impact on Classical China
Confucianism Han Dynasty State Philosophy Benefits? Drawbacks?
Legalism Qin ShiHuangdi – first emperor of China Benefits? Drawbacks?
Daoism Government? Popular religion The Arts Private Lives