Overview
Each question needs 230 words
1. If you were a ruler of a small Chinese state during the Warring States period (475 - 221 BCE), would you employ the philosophy of Confucianism, Daoism, or Legalism. Please explain WHY?
2.Which philosophy would you find most suitable for governing the modern-day United States? Please explain WHY? 3. Which of these philosophies is most appealing to you? Please explain WHY? Please provide examples to defend your answers from what I have provided
Daoism (Taoism) is
“The Way of Nature” Activism & ambition only bring chaos & disorder Humans should disengage from worldly affairs Engage in a life that is in harmony with nature The term wu wei is frequently used in Taoist philosophy and means literally "non-action."
What the Chinese mean by wu wei is not abstaining from activity but abstaining from a certain kind of activity, activity that is out of harmony with the ongoing cosmic process.
[Perhaps a better definition of wu wei is] refraining from action contrary to
nature...
This is the meaning of Lao Tzu's seemingly puzzling statement: "By nonaction everything can be done."
– The Turning Point, Fritjof Capra
invaluable piece of wisdom:
'The world is ruled by letting things
take their course. It cannot be
ruled by interfering.'" –
Ray, Michael and Rochelle Myers, Creativity in Business,
Broadway Books, 1986, p. 29.
Main Beliefs
Political involvement &
education UNnecessary
Balance with nature
would resolve all
problems
Live in small, self-
sufficient communities
NO ambition,
NO action
Like Confucianism, this
life and not the cosmos
is the focus
Unlike Confucianism,
inaction rather than
action
Chinese landscape painting:
reflection of Daoism
Wu wei wu:
“Doing by not doing.
”Impact of Daoism
Promoted scientific
discovery in nature
leading great
astronomers, chemists &
botanists
Concentrated mainly in
China
Values spread beyond
Confucius (551-479 B.C.E)
K’ung was his Last name
Fu-tzu means Master, Sir
K’ung Fu-tzu was Latinized by
French philosopher Voltaire as
Confucius
He was born in the State of Lu
(modern Province of Shantung)
The Analects
rejection of the idea of in-born
nobility
proper training, education, and
aptitude make a “gentleman”
not simply birth into a certain family
Merit should decide, not heredity
Led to practice of selecting
officials through a civil service exam
CONFUCIANISM
is NOT a religion,
BUT
social & political
philosophy
based on moral & ethical
teachings
Goal: establishment of
political & social order
NOT concerned with salvation or the afterlife
System of
good government
based on
Honesty
Dependability
Hard work
Loyalty
Legalism
NOT a religion,
but a
philosophy about rulers
& the ruled and
key to a stable society
Main Beliefs
Idea: humans are
inherently evil
needed strict rules,
guidelines and
punishment to impose orders Peace & stability
were only possible through a tight, centralized state & government
Legalism : Two handles
Reward: Rich & certain, Bring Honor
Punishment: Severe & definite Bring disgrace