Chinese Belief Systems
• Q: What principles
should guide human
conduct and ensure
order in society?
• Chinese Philosophers
had differing views to
this question
Confucius
• 551 B.C.E. Philosopher
• Taught how to restore
peace
• The Analects are the
like the sacred text
Confucius – 5 Relationships
•
•
•
•
•
•
1. Ruler and Ruled
2. Father and Son
3. Older Brother and Younger Brother
4. Husband and Wife
5. Friend and Friend
filial piety – duty and respect children owe
their parents
Influence
• Became very popular stressing the following
– Good of society over the individual
– Education betters all
• Dominates Chinese society and spreads to
Korea, Japan, and Vietnam
Daoism
• Similar to Confucius to
create order in society
• Do nothing that
contradicts nature
– People and nature
should be one together
• Best government is the
one with fewest rules
Daoism - Influence
• Closeness to nature allows Chinese to develop
gunpowder, magnetic compass and research
astronomy
• Influenced the Arts
Legalism
• Han Feizi
• Rejects Confucius Teachings
• Says that all people act of self interest and
react to rewards and punishments
Legalism - Influence
• In 221 B.C.E. Qin Emperor adopts Legalism as
law and unites China
– Strict rule