Ancient national philosophies in China are: Confucianism; Daoism and Legalism. For the medieval period of Chinese history (II BC. - X AD.) There was conflict between the schools of philosophy. Eventually Confucianism prevailed as the recognised state religion and ethics.
Confucianism has played a major role Chinese society his teachings remain relevant even now, after 2500 years since the life and work of the author.
Confucianism - the socio-political doctrine, preaches an insoluble spiritual connection between man, the family and the state. Confucius the legendary sage also known as Kung Fu Tzu, lived from 551 - 479 BC.
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Confucianism has played a major role in building Chinese society. It remains as relevant now, after 2500 years since the life and work of the author.
Disciples of this school of thought, unlike the Legalists favour soft governance. advocating administration of the State should not be based on fear or violence, and should be respectful to elders, rulers and respect tradition. Rulers and officials must behave as a noble men. The state should be one big family.
The teachings of Confucius contain a number of fundamental ethical norms: to live as a community; to be giving; to obey elders and rank; obey the emperor; exercise self restraint, be measured in everything, avoid extremes and be humane. Confucious’ golden rule of human behaviour in the society says: Do unto others as you would have done to yourself.
States should establish and operate the same respect and reverence. Act without reverence and respect and reverence - is against the law. Violence and fear are not be the basis of any "small" or “large family".
Legalism, addresses the same basic question as Confucianism how to manage society, However, advocates managing society by state violence, based in law. State - the main regulatory mechanism of society and, therefore, has the right to intervene in public relations, the economy and the privacy of citizens.
Thus, Legalism - the philosophy of strong state power.
Daoism - an ancient Chinese philosophical doctrine that includes elements of religion and philosophy, which attempts to explain the basics of building an existence of the world and identify the path to be followed by man, nature and the cosmos.
According to Daoism, neither the universe or any social system can be put in order by artificial means. The best ruler intervenes in nothing, and then by default it thrives, staying in peace and harmony. The Social ideal of Daoists is patriarchal, unenlightened life. Confucianism is interested in the mind, which is the source of our behavior and Daoism is interested in Primal Simplicity, which is the source of our minds and everything else.
Keyword Confucianism - debt, Daoism - inaction. You could say that they are complete opposites. Or, better yet, we can say that they are perfectly balanced and complementary.
Cited Works
Chin, Annping. The Analects. New York: Penguin, 2014. Print.
Cohn, Jessica. The Ancient Chinese. New York: Gareth Stevens Pub., 2013. Print.
Feng, Youlan, and Derk Bodde. A History of Chinese Philosophy. Princeton: Princeton UP, 1983. Print.
"Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Web. 13 Nov. 2014. <http://www.iep.utm.edu/>.
