Transcript Chinese Philosophies - Levittown School District


Confucius 551BC-479 BC
Confucius was interested in ways to
organize a good society.
 His teachings were collected into a
book called the ANALECTS
 His code stressed virtues such as
loyalty, courtesy, hard work and
kindness


These relationships defined a persons
place in society.
◦ 1.
◦ 2.
◦ 3.
◦ 4.
◦ 5.
Ruler and Subject
Parent and Child
Husband and Wife
Older Brother and Younger Brother
Friend and Friend
 In
each relationship, each
individual had responsibilities or
duties toward the other.
 Family
relationships were
stressed.
 Loyalty
and respect for
authority were essential to the
family.
 The GOAL was ORDER in
society.
Ideals shaped Chinese society
 Chinese law based on Confucian
principles
 Respect for elders dominated family
life
 Emperors built temples honoring
Confucius in every province

Confucian scholars became the main
force in government
 Candidates for government office had
to memorize the Five Classics and the
Four Books which contained the
teachings of Confucius and his
followers.





Philisophy and religion
founded by Lao-Tse
Teachings in Tao Te
Ching or the Way and Its
Power
Rejected the rules set by
Confucius.
He stressed simplicity,
meditation and a
closeness to nature
Goal of life was to become attuned to
the TAO
 TAO was a universal force that could
not be defined only felt
 TAO was the road or the way a person
followed to reach that goal
 A person reached harmony with
nature through contemplation not
reason.

Best government was one that
governed least.
 Concerned with improving a person’s
life in this world rather than saving
souls.
 Taoist priests provided charms and
magic to influence the spirits.
 Taoism popular among the common
people.




Recorded the planets
Observations in
chemistry and botany
Priests invented
gunpowder for use in
firecrackers to ward off
the ghosts.


Magnetic compass
developed for the
position of graves
Magnetic compass
made long ocean
voyages possible




Han Fei Tzu was the
chief supporter.
Not interested in
ethical conduct of
Taoists or their use
of mediation.
Efficient government.
Ruler should have
absolute power.
 Unquestioning
obedience to
authority
 People are easily swayed by greed
or fear.
 Only the ruler knew how to look
after their best interest



Rulers make laws as needed, enforcing
them with rich rewards and severe
punishment
Rule by law is FAR SUPERIOR to Confucian
idea of rule by good example
Low opinion of human nature. Did not
believe people were capable of loyalty,
honesty, or trust.


Threat of harsh
punishment would
ensure order and
stability in society
In 221 BC the Qin
emperor Shi Huangdi
used Legalism to
unify China.