Chinese Philosophies & Doctrines Confucianism, Daoism & Legalism

Chinese Philosophies & Doctrines

Confucianism, Daoism & Legalism

Confucianism• Originated in China in 6th century BC

• Founder Kongfuzi...Confucius

• Major Writings:

– Analects: Collection of Confucius’ teachings after his death…these ethics provided the basis for the civil service system in China

– 5 Classics – thought to carry solutions to most problems

Main Beliefs• Focus on Harmony

in Society through the 5 Basic Relationships

• Parent/Child• Elder/Younger• Husband/Wife• Ruler/Subjects• Friend/Friend

• All relationships (except the last), involve the authority of one person over another

• Power and the right to rule belong to superiors over subordinates

• Each person has to give obedience and respect to "superiors“

• The "superior," however, owes loving responsibility to the inferior and must set a good example

5 Basic Relationships


PARENT (father)• Is kind• Gives protection• Provides Education

CHILD (son)• Shows respect (filial

piety)• Accepts father’s

guidance• Cares for him in old

age and performs the customary burial ceremonies

ELDER (teacher, older brother)

• Sets an example of refinement and good behavior

• Shows consideration toward younger people

YOUNGER (student, younger brother)

• Respects the character and experience of the elder

• Defers to the advice of those with more experience

• Is eager to learn



HUSBAND• Carries out his family

duties• Is honorable and

faithful• Provides for his wife

and family

WIFE• Looks after the home• Is obedient• Diligently meets the

needs of her husband and children


RULER• Acts justly• Strives to improve the

welfare of his people• Is worthy of loyalty

SUBJECTS• Are loyal• Serve their ruler• Honor their ruler

because of his position and character


FRIEND• Is equal to his friend

and must have respect for him

FRIEND• Is equal to his friend

and must have respect for him

Daoism (Taoism)• Originated in 6th

century BC, during the Zhou Dynasty

• Founder: Laozi (a scholar)

• Major Writing: Dao De Jing… a Chinese classic

Major Beliefs• People should renounce worldly

ambitions and turn to nature and the Dao (Tao), the universal force that guides all things (the Way)

• Emphasize harmony with nature

• Wu Wei – principle of inaction: do nothing unnatural– Focus on inner peace…don’t

compete; don’t seek learning, riches or power; withdraw from public affairs

Legalism – Major Beliefs• Developed from the teachings

of Hanfeizi

• Emphasized strict laws and harsh punishments

• Believed humans were evil by nature and required a strong forceful gov’t to make them obey

• “Heaven is long lasting and earth is enduring. The reason why heaven and earth can live long and endure is that they do not live only for themselves.”

Daoist

Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?


• “To govern is to set things right. If you begin by setting yourself right, who will dare to deviate from the right?”

Confucianist

Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?• "The only way for a ruler to rule is with an

iron fist and pen to write strict laws."

Legalist

Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?• “Indeed, customs differ between the past

and the present. To try to govern the people of a chaotic age with benevolence and lenient measures is like to drive wild horses without reins and whips.”

Legalist


• “When the people are subjected to overmuch government, the land is thrown into confusion.”

Daoist


• “China without a recognizable leader is preferable to foreigners with all their leaders.”

Confucianist


• “The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things generously and is without strife.”

Daoist


• “Leave all things to take their natural course and do not interfere…what is contrary to the Way soon perishes.”

Daoist

Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?• "People respond to punishment and

rewards, not other people's behavior."

Legalist


• “Sometimes I have gone a whole day without food and a whole night without sleep, giving myself to thought. It was no use. It is better to learn.”

Confucianist

Who Said It? Confucianist or Daoist or Legalist?• “When it comes to uncles, brothers, and

chief vassals, he should punish them when their advice leads to failure, and promote them when their advice leads to success. He should not promote them erratically.”

Legalist


• “Let the sole worry of your parents be that you might become ill.”

Confucianist


• “Do not worry about NOT holding high positions; worry rather about playing your proper role.”

Confucianist


• “If the Way prevails on earth, horses will be used for purposes of agriculture. If the Way does not prevail, war-horses will be bred.”

Daoist

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Chinese Philosophies & Doctrines Confucianism, Daoism & Legalism