Three Schools of Chinese Philosophy

A Time of War The Warring States Period, 475 BC- 221 BC. 7 major contenders: Lu, Chu, Han, Qin, Zhao, Yan,

Wei. The larger states with more economic resources

were advancing as leaders during this period as they had improved technology. One innovation in war at this time was arming the populace. Wealthy states could mass produce casted weapons (swords, spears and halberds) to give to their foot soldiers.

The Qin were actually never considered a great contender at this time and were looked upon as “barbarians.”

The Contenders

A period of Enlightenment amongst Carnage

The Art of War , by Sun Tzu late 6th Century“The possibility of victory lies in attack; Invincibility lies in defense.”

Kongfuzi, 551-479, “The Analects.” Laozi, unknown if actual person ever existed, “The

Way.” Shang Yang, 390-338, “Legalism.”

Kongfuzi “ Master Kong”, Confucius, lived 551-479. Lived in state of Lu.

Kongfuzi(Cont.) Began his career as an accountant of livestock. Taught the children of wealthy families. Put a major

emphasis on education. Minister of Public Works and Crime. Major themes were duty and kindness. Taught filial relationships: Father to son, ruler to ruled.friend to friend, husband to wife and older brother to younger brother. Ancestor respect, respect for your parents and respect for your rulers where part of his teachings. Disgraced at court, went into exile. Later returned to

the Lu to record his teachings in the Analects. Mencius, a student of his, defended and continued his work.

Laozi Believed to be a legend and that actual person

never existed. Lived in the state of Chu.

Laozi(Cont.) Known for developing the philosophy “Daoism.” the

Dao representing the way or a force that exists between all things. Man (or Woman) naturally lives outside this force and can only find peace by living peacefully interconnected with this force.

The idea of Ying and Yang or balance between the dark and the light. Don’t mix up with good and evil.

Stood in juxtaposition to Confucianism by stating that in order to find peace within the way, an individual does not seek out a formal role. Therefore, there is no need for government, older brother/younger brother relationships or filial relationships.

Shang Yang Lived between 390-388 Lived in the State of Wei.

Shang Yang (Cont.) A famous statesman who developed an idea

known as “Legalism.” Legalism promotes the rule of law, with ultimate power belonging to the ruler and harsh punishments for anyone who goes against or questions their law.

People are not encouraged to live in harmony based upon personal virtue, but to follow the rule of law out of pure fear.

Collective punishment was issued, centralized government was encouraged and causing or inciting any kind of public unrest was dealt swiftly with punishment (like being ripped into two pieces).

Exit question If you were a ruler during the Warring States Period,

which philosophy would you use to govern. Why?

This weeks project will be to apply these ancient Chinese philosophy’s to current events. Stay tuned.

References Riegel, Jeffrey, "Confucius", The Stanford Encyclopedia of

Philosophy (Spring 2011 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), forthcomingURL=<http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2011/entries/confucius/>.

Chan, Alan, "Laozi", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2009 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = <http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2009/entries/laozi/>.

Wong, David, "Chinese Ethics", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2008 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL =<http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2008/entries/ethics-chinese/>.