ThePhilosophy Center: Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, Legalism (Chinese Philosophy) #1

 Hello!

Today's episode will be about Chinese philosophy. We will have four small parts covering four prominent philosophies in Ancient Chinese culture and history: (1) Daoism, (2) Confucianism, (3) Mohism, and (4) Legalism. Each of these philosophies we might cover again one day to cover them one by one.

Before we enter the big four Chinese philosophies we must see: what do Chinese philosophies have in common? How are they different from Greek philosophy, the only other group of sophisticated philosophies in their era? 

They are more related to ethics (what should we do? is an exampleof a question in Ethics (philosophy)). The Chinese philosophies typically answer the question, "What is the purpose of life?". Meanwhile, Greek philosophy, ranges from ethics to metaphysics to epistemology. Today we will only cover the first two (Confucianism and Daoism(. 

1. Daoism

Daoism is a philosophy developed by the philosopher Laozi, also referred to as Lao Tzu. During his life, China was embroiled in internal strife, which ended the Zhou Dynasty. From the result of conflict came people who started philosophizing about government and administration. Chinese philosophy would begin to emerge from here. The reason why Chinese philosophy is more correlated to ethics and morality was because it derived from administrative and political problems and struggles. 

Daoism tells us just rule is based on virtue (or "de"). It says the way to achieve "de" is "dao" or the way. This is why it is called Dao(ism). The Chinese often thought this changing world changed in a perpetual way that has cycles which repeats. Night ends with dawn and day rises, and then day falls in the sunset. It repeats. Daosim believes these different forms (day and night, for example) are related to one another. There are 10,000 manifestations making up the world it says. A manifestation is described as something of an idea that embodies something. In Laozi's famous book Daode jing, it says humanity is one of said ten thousand manifestations and is not special. But because of our personal freewill, we often stray from the dao. And according to Daoism we must live according to the "dao" to achieve virtues. 

Daoism's error is in believing humanity is not special. Humanity was created especially by God.

2. Confucianism

Confucius was a philosopher who lived in China by around 550 BC. His students and disciples would help Confucianism become one of the most important Chinese religions and philosophies. But what did Confucius believe in?

His philosophy formed with political changes where the government became more meritocratic (more favoring of able and skilled individuals as leaders). Confucius was an advisor to the Chinese court and from there his philosophy emerged. Most of the information about his philosophy is found in the works of his students and followers in the Analects, which includes an ethical system. 

Chinese rulers believed their reign was given by god. He believes heaven was a source of moral order but we should, as humans, follow the moral order. This was compatible with Chinese tradition. She believed everyone could act with virtue, not only rulers. He believed people who had the "Heavenly Mandate" or a god-given authority to rule, was who had understanding. He said benevolence (love) was important and so was loyalty. Certain relationships (sovereign - subject, parent - child, husband - wife, sibling - sibling, and friend - friend) should have certain virtues. He encouraged ritual and tradition and was a conservative person. He believed sincerity was powerful and self reflection is sincerity. 

Confucianism, though has some compatabillity with Christianity (like in its encouragement of sincerity, virtue, and morality, as well as the role of humanity to some extent), has its flaws. It doesn't really center around God but on humanity. 

Next Week Topic: Chinese Philosophy #2