Confucianism Daoism and Legalism

Legalists could be divided into three types. The first dealt with shi or investment in the position of the ruler in power (not the person) and the need to obtain facts to govern well. The second dealt with LAWS, regulations and standards. This meant that under the ruler, everyone was equal and the state was ruled by law, not by a ruler. The third was the concept of shu, or tactics to ensure state security. Legalism was generally in competition with Confucianism, which advocated a just and reciprocal relationship between the state and its subjects. Taoism began to transform into a religion around 200 AD, with texts and rituals heavily influenced by Buddhist practices. As a religion in search of eternal life, Taoists contributed to Chinese medicine, science (the invention of gunpowder), and martial arts (Taiji, Wudang) in the following millennia. As a philosophy, many Chinese paintings reflect Taoist values through the prominent depiction of mountains, streams, and other natural elements alongside small, relatively insignificant human figures. To be a good and virtuous person in any ordinary situation was the goal of Confucianism.

This virtue was called “Jen,” and humans were considered perfectible and fundamentally good creatures. Ceremonies and rituals based on the five classics, especially the I Ching, were heavily introduced. Some ethical concepts were Yì (the moral disposition to do good), Lǐ (ritual norms for everyday life), and Zhì (the ability to see what is right in the behavior of others). Mohism emerged at about the same time as the other philosophies discussed here under the philosopher Mozi (c. 470-391 BC). The most well-known concept under Mohism was “impartial care,” also known as “universal love.” This meant that people had to take care of others equally, regardless of their true relationship with that person. This contradicted the ideas of Confucianism, which said that love for close relationships should be greater. Mohism also emphasized the ideas of self-control, reflection, and authenticity. Unlike Confucianism, Taoism viewed nature rather than man as the source of morality.

According to Laozi, human society must adapt to the Dao (the path), or the essential connecting element of all that is. Some interpret Dao as nature. Others interpret Dao as opposing elements of nature – ying and yang, moon and sun, women and men, darkness and light, etc. – at work; complementary and yet constantly evolving and at the same time interacting with each other. Despite the appearance of the differences, everything is one. The preponderant authority of the state and the strict application of the law are two of the fundamental elements of legalism. Although the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), which practiced legalism, was short-lived, the effects of legalism have survived throughout China`s political history. Evidence abounds: from a centralized political governance structure to the absolute authority of the emperor; the higher interests of the State to the moderate rights of its individual subjects. The basis of civil trials in Imperial China and the Confucian canon. They consist of the Book of Odes, the Book of Documents, the Book of Changes, the Book of Rites and the Firs of Spring and Autumn.

Taoism advocated that the individual follow a mysterious force called The Way (dao) of the universe and act in accordance with nature. Taoism emphasized the unity of all things and was strictly individualistic, unlike Confucianism, which advocated acting as society expected. Taoism as a religion emerged over time and involved the worship of gods and ancestors, the cultivation of “chi” energy, a system of morality, and the use of alchemy to achieve immortality. This is still in practice today. The Analects of Confucius. The ethical and moral teachings of Confucius were written by his students in this document. While Confucianism is the foundation of Chinese culture, Taoism, Buddhism and legalism have also contributed to its development. The book that forms the basis of Taoist philosophy. The influence of Taoism on Chinese culture is omnipresent in history, art, literature, science, philosophy, folklore, politics, religion and medicine. Its importance is second only to Confucianism. Within the intelligentsia class, over the past two thousand years, Taoist values and practices – such as retreating into a hermit`s way of life – have often been a “way out” for Confucian officials/scholars who, for whatever reason, were no longer in a position of political influence. This coexistence of contrasting Confucian and Taoist values during the lifetime of a Confucian scholar is a good example of the fusion of two very different philosophies and underscores the sometimes confusing nature of “duality” in Chinese culture.

Buddhism was introduced to China in the 2nd century BC by the Silk Road by Yuezhi merchants of Caucasian origin who lived in present-day Xinjiang. By the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) – culturally the most tolerant, complete and wealthy of all Chinese dynasties – Buddhism and Taoism were firmly established in China and, together with Confucianism, formed the basis of Chinese culture. Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha around the 6th or 5th century BC. Founded in India. Buddha preached that the source of all human pain and suffering is human desire. The way to attain Nirvana, or eternal enlightenment, is through self-meditation and the Eightfold Path, which resembles the Ten Commandments. Among the many different branches of Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, which is practiced in China, contains more esoteric elements such as chants repeated in prayers; Belief in rebirth, heaven and hell; and the worship of several deities who respond to the calls of believers. Another important philosopher during this period was Lao-tzu (also called Laozi), who founded Taoism (also called Taoism) at the same time as Confucianism.

Lao-tzu is a legendary figure – it is not certain that he actually existed. According to myth, Lao-tzu was founded around 604 BC. Born as an old man. As he left home to live a life of solitude, the city guard asked him to write down his thoughts. He did so in a book called Tao Te Ching and was never seen again. The document in which Confucius` disciples recorded his teachings. Representation of Mozi. The Chinese philosopher who started Mohism is shown here. Life force or bodily energy that supposedly flows along the meridians through the body. Although Confucianism and Taoism are the Chinese philosophies that have survived the most to this day, a lesser-known philosophy called legalism was even more important for this early period. This meant that humans are inherently evil and must be kept online by a strong state.

According to legalism, the state was much more important than the individual. While legalism believed that laws should be clear and public, and that everyone should be subject to them, it also asserted that rulers had supreme power and had to use stealth and secrecy to stay in power. Legalists also believed that society should strive to dominate other societies.