Question

ancient china: big ideas expert
step 2 complete the following chart for the three philosophies we discussed in class (confucianism, daoism and legalism)

philosophy	leader/teacher	major beliefs (×2)	how did this topic influence/affect peoples lives?	key words/images
daoism	laozi	people should live simply and focus on the spiritual & natural world; follow the dao. the right way of living for a good afterlife.
confucianism	confucius	filial piety and respect for elders; hierarchical social structure	made family the most important part of society; created a system where people earned jobs through education

Explanation:

To complete the chart for the three philosophies (Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism) in Ancient China, we analyze each section:

1. Legalism

• Leader/Teacher: Hanfeizi (correct, as Han Feizi is the key figure of Legalism).
• Major Beliefs:
• Spies ensure loyalty to the emperor (to maintain control).
• Strict laws and harsh punishments (because people are “evil” by nature, so strict governance is needed).
• How Did This Influence Lives?

The strict rules led to rebellion (since overly harsh laws often spark resistance).

• Key Words/Images: Law, Punishment, Emperor, Control.

2. Daoism

• Leader/Teacher: Laozi (correct, founder of Daoism).
• Major Beliefs:
• Live simply, focus on the spiritual and natural world (harmony with nature, minimalism).
• Follow the Dao (the “right way” of living for a good afterlife) (emphasizes aligning with the natural order).
• How Did This Influence Lives?

Daoism encouraged people to seek inner peace, live in harmony with nature, and avoid excessive ambition or conflict. It influenced art, literature, and personal spirituality (e.g., practices like meditation).

• Key Words/Images: Dao, Nature, Simplicity, Harmony.

3. Confucianism

• Leader/Teacher: Confucius (correct, founder of Confucianism).
• Major Beliefs:
• Filial piety (respect for elders) and hierarchical social structure (family and society follow a hierarchy: ruler-subject, parent-child, etc.).
• How Did This Influence Lives?
• Made family the most important part of society (filial piety strengthened family bonds).
• Created a system where people earned jobs through education (meritocracy, valuing learning and moral virtue for social mobility).
• Key Words/Images: Filial Piety, Hierarchy, Education, Family.

Final Chart (Completed)

Philosophy	Leader/Teacher	Major Beliefs (×2)	How Did This Influence/Affect People’s Lives?	Key Words/Images
Daoism	Laozi	1. Live simply, focus on spiritual/natural world<br>2. Follow the Dao (right way for afterlife)	Encouraged harmony with nature, inner peace, and spiritual reflection (influenced art, spirituality).	Dao, Nature, Simplicity
Confucianism	Confucius	1. Filial piety/respect for elders<br>2. Hierarchical social structure	1. Made family central to society<br>2. Created education-based job system (meritocracy).	Filial Piety, Hierarchy, Education

This chart organizes the core ideas and impacts of each philosophy in Ancient China.

Answer:

To complete the chart for the three philosophies (Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism) in Ancient China, we analyze each section:

1. Legalism

• Leader/Teacher: Hanfeizi (correct, as Han Feizi is the key figure of Legalism).
• Major Beliefs:
• Spies ensure loyalty to the emperor (to maintain control).
• Strict laws and harsh punishments (because people are “evil” by nature, so strict governance is needed).
• How Did This Influence Lives?

The strict rules led to rebellion (since overly harsh laws often spark resistance).

• Key Words/Images: Law, Punishment, Emperor, Control.

2. Daoism

• Leader/Teacher: Laozi (correct, founder of Daoism).
• Major Beliefs:
• Live simply, focus on the spiritual and natural world (harmony with nature, minimalism).
• Follow the Dao (the “right way” of living for a good afterlife) (emphasizes aligning with the natural order).
• How Did This Influence Lives?

Daoism encouraged people to seek inner peace, live in harmony with nature, and avoid excessive ambition or conflict. It influenced art, literature, and personal spirituality (e.g., practices like meditation).

• Key Words/Images: Dao, Nature, Simplicity, Harmony.

3. Confucianism

• Leader/Teacher: Confucius (correct, founder of Confucianism).
• Major Beliefs:
• Filial piety (respect for elders) and hierarchical social structure (family and society follow a hierarchy: ruler-subject, parent-child, etc.).
• How Did This Influence Lives?
• Made family the most important part of society (filial piety strengthened family bonds).
• Created a system where people earned jobs through education (meritocracy, valuing learning and moral virtue for social mobility).
• Key Words/Images: Filial Piety, Hierarchy, Education, Family.

Final Chart (Completed)

Philosophy	Leader/Teacher	Major Beliefs (×2)	How Did This Influence/Affect People’s Lives?	Key Words/Images
Daoism	Laozi	1. Live simply, focus on spiritual/natural world<br>2. Follow the Dao (right way for afterlife)	Encouraged harmony with nature, inner peace, and spiritual reflection (influenced art, spirituality).	Dao, Nature, Simplicity
Confucianism	Confucius	1. Filial piety/respect for elders<br>2. Hierarchical social structure	1. Made family central to society<br>2. Created education-based job system (meritocracy).	Filial Piety, Hierarchy, Education

This chart organizes the core ideas and impacts of each philosophy in Ancient China.