Post on 26-Dec-2015
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
Code of Conduct
These relationships defined a persons place in society.◦1. Ruler and Subject◦2. Parent and Child◦3. Husband and Wife◦4. Older Brother and Younger Brother◦5. Friend and Friend
FIVE BASIC RELATIONSHIPS
In each relationship, each individual had responsibilities or duties toward the other.
Family relationships were stressed.
FIVE BASIC RELATIONSHIPS
Loyalty and respect for authority were essential to the family.
The GOAL was ORDER in society.
FIVE BASIC RELATIONSHIPS
Ideals shaped Chinese society Chinese law based on Confucian principles
Respect for elders dominated family life
Emperors built temples honoring Confucius in every province
Impact of Confucianism
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.
Impact of Confucianism
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
TAOISM or Daoism “The Way”
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.
TAO taught:
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.
TAO taught:
Recorded the planets Observations in
chemistry and botany Priests invented
gunpowder for use in firecrackers to ward off the ghosts.
Taoists emphasis on nature shaped Chinese science and technology
Magnetic compass developed for the position of graves
Magnetic compass made long ocean voyages possible
Taoists emphasis on nature shaped Chinese science and technology
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.
LEGALISM
Unquestioning obedience to authority
People are easily swayed by greed or fear.
Only the ruler knew how to look after their best interest
Legalism-Authoritarian Philosophy
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.
Legalism-Authoritarian Philosophy