Question

summarizing: as you read this section, take notes summarizing the basic ideas of the following chinese philosophies.

1. confucianism

founder: confucius
ideas about social order:
ideas about government:

1. daoism

founder:
ideas about order and harmony:
ideas about a universal force:

1. legalists

founder:
ideas about social order:
ideas about government:

Explanation:

1. Confucianism:

• Founder: Confucius.
• Ideas about social order: Emphasizes hierarchical relationships like between ruler - subject, father - son, etc. with benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faith as moral guidelines. Promotes harmony through proper conduct in these relationships.
• Ideas about government: Rulers should lead by moral example, govern with benevolence, and appoint virtuous officials. Education is important for good governance.

1. Daoism:

• Founder: Lao - tzu (though the concept has more complex origins).
• Ideas about order and harmony: Advocate living in accordance with the Dao (the Way), a natural and spontaneous principle. Avoid excessive human - made rules and interference, and let things develop naturally for harmony.
• Ideas about a universal force: The Dao is the universal force, an ineffable, all - pervading principle that underlies the universe. It is non - action (wu - wei) in the sense of not forcing things but allowing them to unfold as they should.

1. Legalists:

• Founder: Han Feizi (a key figure).
• Ideas about social order: Rely on strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain social order. Human nature is considered self - interested, so laws are needed to control behavior.
• Ideas about government: Centralized and authoritarian government with strong laws and a powerful ruler. Bureaucratic efficiency is important, and the ruler should use power, strategy, and law to govern effectively.

Answer:

1. Confucianism:

• Founder: Confucius
• Ideas about social order: Hierarchical, based on moral virtues for harmony in relationships
• Ideas about government: Rulers lead by moral example, appoint virtuous officials

1. Daoism:

• Founder: Lao - tzu
• Ideas about order and harmony: Live in accordance with the natural Dao, avoid over - regulation
• Ideas about a universal force: The Dao, an all - pervading non - interfering principle

1. Legalists:

• Founder: Han Feizi
• Ideas about social order: Strict laws and harsh punishments to control self - interested behavior
• Ideas about government: Centralized, authoritarian with strong laws and efficient bureaucracy