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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

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Throughout Chinese history, there havebeen many great philosophers.

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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.

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The proper functioning of society dependedon these Five Relationships according to

Confucius.

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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.

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A Daoist understands that a bird is nota fish. A bird does not try to live in water.

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The Yin-Yang is a popular Daoist or Taoist symbol.

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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.

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During the Qin dynasty, Legalism wasthe official philosophy of China.

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While all three philosophies greatly influenced China, Confucianism became the official philosophy of dynastic China.

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It is important to remember that during theHan dynasty, a scholar had to pass a teston Chinese history and Confucianism to

work in the government.

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In Confucianism, a son must obey hisfather.

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In Daoism, people are encouraged to livenaturally.

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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?