ChinesePhilosophies & Ethical Codes

“Making Their Way Out Of Chaos.”

Confucianism/Legalism/Daoism

Confucianism

Confucius - 551 – 479 B.C.E.

Confucius, K'ung-fu-tzuConfucius, K'ung-fu-tzu

551 – 479 B.C.E. Born in the feudal state of Liu Born in 551 B.C.E. into a

period of disorder among thefeudal states of the Chou dynasty.

Became a teacher and editor of books.

Major Confucian PrinciplesMajor Confucian Principles

Li – Rites, rules, ritual decorum (Binding or an enduring stable society)

Jen/Ren – Humaneness, benevolence, humanity

Shu – Reciprocity, empathy – Do unto others as you would have others do unto you

Yi – Righteousness Xiao – Filial Piety

(Respect your elders!) Te – Government by virtue Wen – Art of Peace

Five ClassicsFive Classics

Book of Changes (I Ching) Book of History Book of Odes Book of Rites Spring and Autumn Annals

The teachings of Confucius re-enforced a Chinese preoccupation with an idealized past and a righteous king. Confucius thought the 5 Chinese classics:

5 Principle Relationships5 Principle Relationships

Between a ruler (benevolence) and a subject (loyalty)

Between a father (kindness) and a son (filial piety)

Between a husband (righteous) and his wife (obedience)

Between am older brother (gentility) and his younger brother (humility)

Between an older friend (humane consideration) and his younger friend (deference)

Organizing PrinciplesOrganizing Principles

Status Age Gender

The AnalectsThe Analects

The single most important Confucian work.

In Chinese it means “conversation.”

Focus on practicalities of interpersonal relationships and the relationships of the role of rulers and administrators to the conduct of government.

Sayings from the AnalectsSayings from the Analects

The Master said, (the good man) does not grieve that other people do not recognize his merits. His only anxiety is lest he should

fail to recognize theirs. Knowing what he knows and knowing what

he does not know is a characteristic of a person who knows.

Making a mistake and not correcting it is another mistake.

The superior man blames himself, the inferior man blames others.

To go too far is the same as falling short.

Cultivation of CharacterCultivation of Character

Confucius laid great stress on the cultivation of character, purity of heart and conduct. He exhorted the people to develop a good character first, which is a priceless jewel and which is the best of all virtues.

Jen/RenJen/Ren

The "Jen": The essence of all his teachings may be summed up under this one word ‘Jen’. The nearest equivalent to this difficult word is "social virtue". All those virtues which help to maintain social harmony

and peace like: 1. benevolence, 2. charity, 3. magnanimity, 4. sincerity, 5. respectfulness, 6. altruism, 7. diligence, 8. loving kindness, 9. goodness are included in Jen.

What happens when “virtue” runs counter to your leader’s activities?: You have the obligation to make yourthoughts known.

Confucius TempleConfucius Temple

The Confucius temple was titled "First Temple in China". It was built on the site of Confucius' home on the order of

the King of the State of Lu in 478 B.C., a year after Confucius'

death.

Confucius TempleConfucius Temple

Covering a building space of 22 hectares and consisting nearly 500 buildings, the temple is one of the three largest ancient architectural complexes in China, second only to the size of the Forbidden City.

Confucian CemeteryConfucian Cemetery

The Confucian Cemetery, occupying more than 200 hectares, has served as the family graveyard of Confucius and his descendants for more

than 2,300 years.

Mencius - 372 – 289 B.C.E.

MenciusMencius

372 – 289 B.C.E. Disciple of Confucius Starts of with the assumption

that people are basically good. If someone does something

bad, education and not punishment is the answer.

Good people will mend their ways in accordance with their inherent goodness.

Social Cohesion is ParamountSocial Cohesion is Paramount

The emperor is the example of proper behavior.

Social relationships are based on rights and rituals.

Religious rituals are important for SOCIAL rather than religious reasons - according to Confucius.

Differences in CulturesDifferences in Cultures

INDIA Brahmin Kshatriya Vaishyas Shudras Untouchables

CHINA Scholar/Gentry Peasants Artisans Merchants Soldiers Imperial Nobility Domestic Slaves

Legalism

Han Fei - 280 – 283 B.C.E.

Han FeiHan Fei

280 – 233 B.C.E. Han Fe Zi Lived during the late Warring

State period. Legalism became the political

philosophy of the Qin [Ch’in] Dynasty

Major Legalist PrinciplesMajor Legalist Principles

Human nature is selfish Intellectualism and literacy is

discouraged. Law is the supreme authority

and replaces morality.

The ruler must rule with a strong

punishing hand. War is the means of

strengthening the rulers power.

AuthoritarianAuthoritarian

One who favors the principle that

individuals should obey a powerful authority rather than exercise individual freedom

The ruler therefore “cracks the whip” on the offenders.

Existing together…Existing together…

So far, we have three models – Confucianism (Confucius and Mencius) and Legalism (Han Fei).

Cultures and “isms” are such that they compete for dominance in the same space and time… it is often a matter of degree… at times one “ism” dominates. In short, they co-exist and compete in the same space and time.

One more model… Daoism (Lao Tzu).

Daoism/Taoism

Lao Tzu – c. 600 B.C.E.

Lao Zi [Lao-Tzu]Lao Zi [Lao-Tzu]

c. 600 B.C.E. His name means “Old Master” or

“Old Sage. Was he Confucius teacher? Whatever the truth, Taoism and

Confucianism have to be seen side-by-side as two distinct responses to the social, political and philosophical conditions of life

two and a half millennia ago in China. Whereas Confucianism is greatly concerned with social relations, conduct and human society, Taoism has a much more individualistic and mystical character, greatly influenced by nature.

The Dao De JingThe Dao De Jing

The articulated thought of Daoism In Chinese it means “The classic in the

Way and it’s Power.” “Those who speak know nothing, those

who know are silent” “The Way” or Dao (Tao) is an elusive

thing” to define – working definition: Lao Tzu taught that all straining, all striving are not only vain but counterproductive. One should endeavor to do nothing (wu-wei). But what does this mean? It means not to literally do nothing, but to discern and follow the natural forces -- to follow and shape the flow of events and not to pit oneself against the natural order of things. First and foremost to be spontaneous in ones actions.

1. The basic unity behind the universe is a mysterious and indefinable force.2. Life is the greatest of all possessions.3. Live in primitive simplicity.4. Pomp and glory are to be despised,

The “Dao” [Tao]The “Dao” [Tao]

To escape from the “social, political, and cultural traps of life – one must:

Reject formal knowledge and learning.

Rely on the senses and instincts Discover the nature and rhythm

of the universe. Ignore political and social laws.

The Universe of Opposites: Finding the The Universe of Opposites: Finding the Balance!Balance!

Yin Feminine Passive Darkness Cold Weak Earth: Moon

Yang Masculine Active Light Warmth Strong Heaven: Sun

Contrasting CanonsContrasting Canons

Confucianism and Taoism, in the Chinese mind, are chiao (teachings) which are not exclusively religious.

a. The writings of the founders of Confucianism and Taoism have been regarded as part of the cultural heritage of the Chinese.

b. Confucianism's sacred canon, the writings of Confucius and secular documents predating Confucius make up the classics of China.

1. For nearly 2,000 years the Confucian Canon was the basis of curriculum in Chinese education.

2. Familiarity with the canon was one of the principle requirements of the civil service examinations.

The Uniqueness of DaoismThe Uniqueness of Daoism

How is man to live in a world dominated by chaos, suffering, and absurdity?

Confucianism: Moral order in society.

Legalism: Ruled by strict laws. Daoism: Discover the nature

and rhythm of the universe.

Notes from Dr. Wawrytko’s Notes from Dr. Wawrytko’s LecturesLectures

Confucius “re-warms” the Zhou traditions. Confucius took what was good about central

government and developed his philosophy. Confucius success was measured by how many of his

students where hired in the government. The Dao/Tao and Confucianism worked hand-in-hand

Confucianism provided the humanism while Daoismprovided the mysticism.

Han – Confucius’ philosophy as working official. Dragon flies (Confucianism) while the Phoenix dances

(Daoism)