Practice 7: Chinese Philosophies

China went through a series of dynasties, or rule by a certain family, each marked by a different political and social philosophy. This table will help you recognize the differences between these philosophies. Confucianism Confucius; a lower class noble and accountant in the Zhou (pronounced JOE) Dynasty Confucius grew sad after he saw the Zhou dynasty begin to weaken due to endless battles over power Analects, or Selected Sayings Confucianism teaches that people want to be good, but need good examples to show them how to behave. People should work on showing proper behavior, or li. They should always work to improve themselves. Legalism Han Fei; a prince who lived during the Zhou dynasty who received a Confucian education Han Fei did not agree with Confucian teachings and thought they would lead to a weak and unstable society Han Feizi, or Basic Writings Daoism Laozi; a Chinese wise person or sage, who may or may not have existed in real life Laozi believed that striving for wealth and power was unnatural

Who was the founder? Why was it founded? Major book What does the Philosophy think about people? How should people act in society?

Daodejing, or The Way and its Power Legalism teaches that people are People are good, and it is society basically selfish and evil and that that makes people bad. In order they need strict rules and to improve our world, we must punishments. return to nature. Rulers should create detailed laws People should act as they would and enforce them very strictly. in nature, becoming one with People should follow the rules the Dao, or the Way, a life force and not question the that connects all things. They government. should accept all parts of life, and let the world flow like water. Daoists should seek a balanced life, with both yin and yang, because you cannot have good without bad or beauty without ugliness. Because good and bad are connected, you must accept everything in life.

Confucianism How should There are five relationships that people treat one form the basis of society: another? ruler/subject, parent/child, husband/wife, older sibling/younger sibling, and friend/friend. Older or more powerful members of society should set a good example for the younger or less powerful person. Friends should support each other. What was the The Zhou Dynasty did not pay impact on much attention to Confucianism, ruling but the Han Dynasty (206BCEdynasties? 220CE) did. Rulers were chosen based on their knowledge of Confucian teachings and had to take tests to show that they were worthy Confucians.

Legalism Rulers should trust no one, because everyone is jealous of their power and trying to steal control. Subjects should listen to rulers and never question their laws. Loyalty to the government is more important than family loyalty.

Daoism Rulers should respect their peoples goodness and make as few laws as possible. A ruler should support his subjects not rule over them. This was called wuwei, or action through nonaction.

The Qin Dynasty followed Legalist ideas, and severely punished anyone who questioned the government. Those who spoke out against the government were burned alive, boiled to death, and had their hands cut off. This strict rule caused many to rebel against the government.

Though the Han Dynasty mostly used Confucian principles, they also took some ideas from Daoism. Ruler made fewer laws and fought fewer wars. One emperor got rid of a land tax that was making life hard for poor farmers.