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Confucianism is an ethical and philosophical system based on the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. This system has come to play a large role in Chinese government and in everyday life. In fact, today, Confucius’ teachings
have influenced much of eastern Asia, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Today, it is estimated that around 5 million people follow the teachings of Confucius.
Confucius, also known as Kong Qiu, was a Chinese teacher, politician, and philosopher who was born in the
year 551 B.C.E. A poor and humble man most of his life, Confucius devoted his life to study at the age of fifteen. In his twenties, Confucius became a respected teacher and
traveled throughout China to educate the sons of the noble class. But, Confucius saw problems everywhere in Chinese society; land was divided among feudal lords, the morals of the people were in decay, and respect for long-
standing Chinese traditions were slowly fading.
To fix China’s problems, Confucius knew that reforms had to start from the government and work their down to the
people. Confucius dreamed of one day serving as an advisor to a powerful ruler. He believed that, by giving the right advice, he could create an ideal world in which to live.
In 501 B.C.E., there was an opening for the governor of a small town in the state of Lu, and Confucius saw this as an opportunity to influence the change he wanted to see in the world. Confucius had built up a strong reputation through his teachings, and administrators of the Lu state began to take notice. He was appointed to this position
and quickly rose the ranks to higher public offices. Confucius’ service had a great impact on Chinese
government. Above all else, Confucius believed it was essential to hire men who were honest, fair, and of good character to government positions. But, what exactly did
Confucius teach?
Confucius was quick to explain that his teachings were not a religion, but rather a set of principles on which to live. Li, the first principle, stated that people should show courtesy and respect toward others, especially one’s elders. The second principle, Jen, represents the heart of Confucius’ teachings. Jen emphasizes the need to show concern for others. No matter their rank in society, Confucius stressed that everyone should be valued and respected for what they have to offer. The third concept, Chun-Tzu, is the idea of the true gentleman. Chun-Tzu states that all people should live according to the highest standards. People must have self-respect, and show generosity, sincerity, and kindness toward others. If all people would live by these three principles, Confucius believed, then all of China would be ruled by harmony.
Confucianism
What are the roots of Confucianism? "...those who
preside over the people should cherish the dearest aims and give the
most correct lessons,
honoring the requirements of humanity by loving the
people as their sons; then the people will use their utmost
efforts to please their
superiors."
What are the teachings of Confucianism?
(continued on other side)generosity - the quality of
being kind and demonstrating a willingness to give to others
©HistorywithMr.E-ASocialStudiesProfessionalSpecializinginAmericanandWorldHistoryforlateElementary,Middle,andearlyHighSchool
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2304 red diamonds rule
To make this easier for people to understand and follow, Confucius encouraged people to recognize the five relationships in the world. In each relationship, Confucius said it was essential to pay respect and obey those above you. In return, those with authority have a special obligation to set a good example for how to live. In addition to the five relationships, all people must respect their elders. Here are the five relationships that Confucius said govern the world. Can you determine who would be “above” in each relationship? Circle the one that you think it would be!
1.) ruler and subject 2.) husband and wife 3.) father and son4.) older sibling and younger sibling5.) friend and friend
What are the teachings of Confucianism?
(continued from other side)
obligation - an act that someone feels morally or
legally bound to do
Confucius’ teachings played a large role in how the Chinese government would operate under the Han Dynasty. Specifically, the teachings influenced how civil servants, or government workers, would be chosen. Instead of being chosen through special or inherited privileges (as was before Confucius), prospective applicants would now be chosen based on their abilities.
The civil service examination was a method to hire qualified men in order to fill the thousands of government positions that were needed to run the empire effectively. Men had to show proficiency in music, arithmetic and horsemanship, as well as have an understanding of civil law, taxation, and geography. By the year 1370 C.E. the exams proved to be effective; during the Ming Dynasty, around 47% of those who passed the exam were from families who had no connections to the emperor.
Today, Chinese culture still stresses many of the same Confucian values that were first stressed in this time. In fact, a handful of schools in China are returning to a more traditional approach and are teaching Confucian values. The Analects of Confucius, which are a collection of sayings and ideas written by Confucius, are required reading in many early college courses. Confucian values have permeated Chinese society with the value placed on pride, honor, and the importance not to “lose face.” To “lose face” means to lose honor and respect, and no Chinese wishes to be put in that position.
Today, many societies have a sort of “golden rule” which can also be traced back to Confucius. Typically, this rule is translated to mean something along the lines of: “Treat others the way you wish to be treated.” It was Confucius who said, “"What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.”
What influence does Confucianism have on
government and modern life?
Quick Question: What problems will a government have if only
friends and family are rewarded with the government jobs?
permeate: to spread throughout
“Children owe a duty of obedience to their fathers, and
men to their rulers. However, this is a reciprocal obligation. The father
had a responsibility to his children,
and the ruler to his subjects. He must put their interests first.”
©HistorywithMr.E-ASocialStudiesProfessionalSpecializinginAmericanandWorldHistoryforlateElementary,Middle,andearlyHighSchool
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Taoism, also spelled Daoism, is an ethical and philosophical tradition based on the teachings of the Chinese philosopher and poet Laozi. While the Chinese government has tried to suppress Taoism throughout history, the teachings of this philosophy
have remained strong. Today, Taoism is practiced mainly in two countries: China and Taiwan. It is estimated that around 20 million people follow the teachings of Laozi, and most followers practice Taoism in conjunction with Confucianism.
Taoism
Laozi, also known as Lao-Tzu, was a Chinese philosopher and poet who was born in the year 604 B.C.E. in the province of Henan, China. Henan is in north-central of modern day China. Much of Laozi’s life is a mystery as so little is known about him. As a young adult, Laozi held a government post as the Keeper of the Archives at the Zhou court. This position gave Laozi access to China’s greatest classics, and he became very well versed in Chinese philosophy and other famous works of literature. Laozi’s access to these materials encouraged him to share what he learned to others. Slowly, Laozi gained a group of followers who enjoyed hearing his take on these famous works.
Over time, Laozi became troubled by what he saw throughout China’s empire; he recognized that the empire around him was falling into despair. Corruption was everywhere, and Laozi grew weary of the moral decay he witnessed among the Chinese people. After a spiritual awakening, Laozi quit his government job and decided to leave the empire altogether. According to Chinese legend, Laozi rode a water buffalo to the western frontier and disappeared forever. But, just before he left the empire, Laozi was stopped by a sentry at China’s western border. It was here where Taoism was born.
Yinxi, the guard stationed at the western gate, recognized Laozi and ordered him to stop. Before he could pass, Yinxi asked Laozi to record his wisdom into a book to better help China’s future generations. This book would go on to be called the Tao Te Ching, and it would form the basis of Taoism.
What are the roots of Taoism?
sentry - a soldier stationed to keep guard or to control
access to a place
Like Confucianism, Taoism is not a religion but rather a set of principles that seek to guide one’s life, choices, and behavior. In the end, Taoism teaches a way of life that is based around harmonious living. However truly understanding Taoism can be a difficult chore. In fact, Laozi recognized this when he stated how it is impossible to truly define Tao:
“The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.”
Taoism is based around the “Tao”, or translated to mean “The Way” or “The Path.” The Tao is the basis of all living things, it governs all of nature, and it is a method by which to live. To truly understand what Tao is, one must come to understand the four main principles of Taosim: oneness, balance, cycling, and harmony.
What are the teachings of Taoism?
(continued on other side)
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous
changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality
be reality. Let things flow
naturally forward in whatever way
they like.”
©HistorywithMr.E-ASocialStudiesProfessionalSpecializinginAmericanandWorldHistoryforlateElementary,Middle,andearlyHighSchool
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The four principles of Taoism are:
1.) Because the Tao is the essence of all things, nature and the observer of nature are one. The Tao creates all things and ends all things. This is called oneness.
2.) Life and nature are always in constant balance. This is best symbolized by the yin and yang; white balances black just like lightness balances darkness and the heat is balanced by the cold. This is called balance.
3.) Just as life is always in balance, it is also in constant cycle. The sun is replaced by the moon just as the moon is then replaced by the son. Too, death will be replaced by new life. This is called cycling.
4.) Life is constantly changing and will present unknown circumstances. It is important to be flexible. Imagine a piece of grass in the wind. It overcomes the wind because it yields to it. If it were too stiff it would break. This is called harmony.
(continued from other side)
What are the teachings of Taoism?
Taoism had great influence on a variety of dynasties and emperors since the time of Laozi. However, the first organized Taoist movement saw opposition during the Han Dynasty. A rebellion known as the Five Pecks of Rice Rebellion eventually led to a separate Taoist state in China known as the Zhang Han state, but it was only temporary.
Taoism became more popular and accepted during the reign of the Tang Dynasty in the 8th and 9th centuries B.C.E. In fact, many emperors claimed that Laozi was a distant relative. The glorification of Laozi continued into the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries with the establishment of the Song Dynasty. Song emperors were very active in promoting Taoists teachings and philosophy. But, by the time of the 18th century Taoism had fallen out of favor.
Today, Taoist culture still thrives throughout modern day China and Taiwan. In China, Taoist priests, known as daoshi, continue to study the teachings and works of Laozi. Too, many Taoist traditions and values are still visible in Chinese culture. Not only is the “yin and yang” still an iconic image, but many of the martial arts are rooted in Taoist tradition. Feng shui, or the process of harmonizing one’s home or office by rearranging furniture to help with energy flow, is also of Taoist origin.
What influence does Taoism have on government and
modern life?
iconic - relating to the nature of an icon; something
that is easily recognizable
The yin and yang represent the constant balance that exists in nature. Also, the
principle of cycling is apparent. Can you see it?
Canyouread“Laozi”?TryyourbesttoexplainwhatLaoziwastalkingaboutinthisquote!
“Becontentwithwhatyouhave;rejoiceinthewaythingsare.Whenyourealizethereisnothing
lacking,thewholeworldbelongstoyou.”
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
©HistorywithMr.E-ASocialStudiesProfessionalSpecializinginAmericanandWorldHistoryforlateElementary,Middle,andearlyHighSchool
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Legalism is a philosophy that followed a very different path than that of Confucianism or Taoism. All three of China’s philosophies sought to create a peaceful and harmonious society, however Legalism presented a radical departure. This
Chinese philosophy was created by a man named Han Fei (or Han Feizi). Other than a brief stint with Emperor Qin and the Qin Dynasty, Legalism as a whole was not a successful political philosophy in ancient China.
LEGALISM
The origins of Legalism are unclear; this philosophy was created from a variety of different ideas that influenced Chinese emperors as early as the 7th century B.C.E. However, it was Han Fei who compiled the various strands and created what we know as Legalism in the 3rd Century B.C.E.
Early in his life, Han Fei became very knowledgeable on Confucian teachings. His teacher, Hsun-tzu, was a devout Confucianist as well, and he taught Han Fei that people could be guided toward goodness. He stressed to Han Fei the importance of kindness, respect toward elders, and generosity toward others. However, according to popular belief, Han Fei was dismayed by what he saw in the world. People were morally corrupt, communities were being ravaged by outsiders, and individuals were hurting their neighbors to gain an advantage in the world. Han Fei believed something had to change.
Han Fei’s attitude toward human nature started to shift; he was convinced that people were naturally evil and only acted in ways that would promote their self-interest. If given the chance, Han Fei claimed, people would betray their neighbor if it meant they themselves would go free. To sum it up, Han Fei believed that humans were inclined toward criminal and selfish behavior. It was in this environment that the philosophy of Legalism was born.
What are the roots of legalism?
Unlike Confucianism or Taoism, Legalism did not seek to answer questions about the purpose or nature of life. Instead, Legalism argued that in order to create a peaceful society, there had to be an emphasis on strict obedience to laws. People were so bad, and so evil, that a strong government needed to enforce strict laws. If the government did this, Han Fei believed, the people would “fall in line.”
Han Fei believed that a ruler needed to follow three simple steps in order to be effective. The three steps are law, method, and legitimacy.
First, Han Fei said the law code must be clearly written and posted in public for all to see. The law should reward those who follow it, while it should severely punish those break it. Punishments should be severe and must be enforced. Han Fei stressed that the law is what should run the state, not the ruler. If the law is successfully enforced, a weak ruler will instantly be a strong one. This is law.
What are the teachings of Legalism?
(continued on other side)
“It is dangerous for a ruler to trust
others. He who trusts others can be
manipulated by
others.”
©HistorywithMr.E-ASocialStudiesProfessionalSpecializinginAmericanandWorldHistoryforlateElementary,Middle,andearlyHighSchool
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Legalism became popular for only a brief moment in China’s history, during the Qin Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C.E. In fact, Han Fei was poisoned by a former classmate, Li Si, who helped the Second Qin Emperor gain the throne. Ironically though, Li Si was executed since Legalism also taught that no person could escape punishment for a crime. The emphasis on punishing even minor violations encouraged Qin rulers to maintain a civilian-led mutual surveillance system over one another.
While Legalism was eventually discredited and failed to play a significant role in later dynasties, many still believe that Legalist ideals have emerged in mainstream Chinese politics. For example, in 1973 Chairman Mae Zedong launched an aggressive campaign against his political opponents. In the campaign he identified himself with the first emperor of China, Emperor Qin, perhaps the most strict adherent of Legalist thought.
Second, Han Fei stated that rulers should take special precautions to make sure others do not seize control of the state. Rulers should be hard to figure out and their actions cannot be predictable. No one should be able to know the rulers true motivations for his decisions because they may seek to use this to their advantage. This is called method.
Finally, rulers must understand that it is the position of the ruler that holds the real power. Rulers must strictly enforce laws to protect the position and reinforce their legitimacy to rule. Also, civil servants who do poor quality work should be punished. This further commands the authority of the ruler. This is legitimacy.
What are the teachings of Legalism?
(continued from other side)
civil servant - a person working for the government
Forms of Legalist torture?
“...a fortunate offender would only lose his ears...”
“...for capital punishment (death penalty) they would use
the ‘cut and kill’ method. The body would be divided
into a number of pieces (or cuts) based on the crime...
8, 24, 36, 72, or even 120 pieces...the jailer would start
with the eyebrows, then the feet, hands, the arms, the
legs, and finally the heart...the more the cuts means the
jailer starts with smaller body parts, the purpose to
make the criminal suffer longer”
“...limbs would be broken and forced to heal in awkward
positions...”
“...some would be sentenced to hard labor for life...some
had their names and crimes tattooed on their face...”
"Only an intelligent ruler is capable of applying heavy punishments to light offenses. If light offenses carry heavy punishments, one can imagine what will be done against a serious offense. Thus, the people will not dare to break the laws."
- Han Fei
What influence does Legalism have on government and
modern life?
©HistorywithMr.E-ASocialStudiesProfessionalSpecializinginAmericanandWorldHistoryforlateElementary,Middle,andearlyHighSchool
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Three Chinese Philosophies try to find ____________ in ______________.
Confucianism
Founder: _____________
- Deeply respected ___________ traditions
- Wanted to teach men of good _______________ to work honestly
and fairly
- There are 5 ____________ in the world:
Ruler and ____________
_______________ and wife
_______________ and son
older sibling and
___________________
friend and _______________
- - All people must respect those above them!
- People in power must set a good example for how to live!
- Influences _______ Dynasty to hire ______ ________ based on ability
Daoism
Founder: _____________
- Asked to _________ a book of his
___________ as he left China.
- In order to gain ___________,
people must live in __________ and
in line with ____________.
- Life is full of ___________ like:
Life and ___________
Light and ____________
Beauty and ___________
Pain and __________
Live like nature! Nothing strives for
_________ or __________
People should take _________ comes
at them and __________ it in stride.
Legalism
Founder: _____________
Gave very _____________ answers for
how to achieve a _____________
society
Believes peace comes from having a
___________ and ____________
government.
People are ___________ _________
People cannot rely on each other to make society peaceful!
Rulers should make ________ laws with
very ________ punishments to keep
society peaceful! Rules should have
____________ power!
People who _________ out against the
____________ were often
_______________ to far away lands
The _________ Dynasty strongly adopted Legalist views
©HistorywithMr.E-ASocialStudiesProfessionalSpecializinginAmericanandWorldHistoryforlateElementary,Middle,andearlyHighSchool
2304 red diamonds rule
©HistorywithMr.E-ASocialStudiesProfessionalSpecializinginAmericanandWorldHistoryforlateElementary,Middle,andearlyHighSchool
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