A Comparison of Chinese Philosophies

1
A Comparison of Chinese Philosophies

• In this lesson, students will be able to
  identify characteristics of Confucianism, Daoism,
  and Legalism.
• Students will be able to identify and/or
• define the following Chinese philosophies
• Confucianism
• Daoism
• Legalism

2
Throughout Chinese history, there have been many
great philosophers.
3
Confucianism

• Confucius, an important philosopher living during
  the Zhou dynasty, sought a way to establish peace
  and harmony.
• He believed that a harmonious society depended on
  Five Relationships.
• In four of Confucius Five Relationships, an
  inferior had to obey a superior person.

4
The proper functioning of society depended on
these Five Relationships according to Confucius.
5
Laozi

• Laozi, another Chinese philosopher living during
  the Zhou dynasty, disagreed with Confucius.
• He believed that people needed to live close to
  nature and follow natural ways or the Dao.
• His philosophy is called Daoism.

6
A Daoist understands that a bird is not a fish.
A bird does not try to live in water.
7
The Yin-Yang is a popular Daoist or Taoist
symbol.
8
Legalism

• Legalism was another Chinese philosophy.
• Unlike Confucianism and Daoism, Legalists
  believed that people were inherently selfish.
• Due to their selfishness, wrongdoers had to be
  punished harshly to prevent future transgressions.

9
During the Qin dynasty, Legalism was the official
philosophy of China.
10
While all three philosophies greatly influenced
China, Confucianism became the official
philosophy of dynastic China.
11
It is important to remember that during the Han
dynasty, a scholar had to pass a test on Chinese
history and Confucianism to work in the
government.
12
In Confucianism, a son must obey his father.
13
In Daoism, people are encouraged to
live naturally.
14
Questions for Reflection

• List the Five Relationships of Confucianism and
  explain the proper functioning of each
  relationship.
• Why do Daoists look to nature for understanding?
• Why do Legalists believe that harsh punishments
  are necessary?
• Which philosophy had the greatest impact on
  Chinese history? Why?