Download A Comparison of Chinese Philosophies

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
E. Napp
Throughout Chinese history, there have
been many great philosophers.
E. Napp
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.
E. Napp
The proper functioning of society depended
on these Five Relationships according to
Confucius.
E. Napp
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.
E. Napp
A Daoist understands that a bird is not
a fish. A bird does not try to live in water.
E. Napp
The Yin-Yang is a popular Daoist or
Taoist symbol.
E. Napp
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.
E. Napp
During the Qin dynasty, Legalism was
the official philosophy of China.
E. Napp
While all three philosophies greatly
influenced China, Confucianism became
the official philosophy of dynastic China.
E. Napp
It is important to remember that during the
Han dynasty, a scholar had to pass a test
on Chinese history and Confucianism to
work in the government.
E. Napp
In Confucianism, a son must obey his
father.
E. Napp
In Daoism, people are encouraged to live
naturally.
E. Napp
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?
E. Napp