China’s Three Philosophies Essay

China has single of the longest histories in ancient world history. As subtlety developed, so did ideas about religion, manageledge, values, society, and the world. Three of the most(prenominal) famous ones were the Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism. There atomic number 18 umpteen a(prenominal) different and similar ideas in these leash philosophies. Confucianism has many a(prenominal) characteristics and ideas for life and favorable ball club. It came from the teachings of a Chinese philosopher named Confucius, or Kongzi. His students recorded all(prenominal) his teachings in a book called the Analects, which in general focused on fond and family relationships (4).Confucius call upd that respect for early(a)s was necessary for peace within society. Confucius fancy that human nature is morally neutral, and it is hoi pollois choices in their later pull rounds that determine if they are devout or severe (1). Two of Confuciuss students, Mencius and Xunzi, argued about whether humans are innate(p) good or roughshod. Mencius believed that humans are inevitably good (1). If one is bad, or lacks a mind that knows rectify and wrong, one would not even be considered human (1). Xunzis ideas were more similar to Legalists, who theory that humans were of course evil.Confucius believed that everyone had his/her own Dao, the bearing to proper behavior (3). If everyone deciphered his/her Dao, and were respectful to others, social order would follow. Legalism had very different ideas from Confucianism. or else of respect for others, Legalists believed that relentless laws and harsh punishments were the chance upon to social order. Whats different from Xunzis ideas and Legalism was that Legalists public opinion humans were born evil (4), while Xunzi approximation that humans may be born good, but allow always turn out bad (1).Legalists disagreed with many of Confuciuss ideas. For example, they didnt see that the universe has a moral shop ping center and everything go out end up good. Legalists thought that only firm action with strict laws from the government would bring social order (3). Legalists also disagreed with the Confucianists view of how societys problems could be solved by a government with superior men, and treasured laws that made people afraid to do wrong, instead (3). Daoism (or Taoism) was founded by LaoZi (Old Master). Scholars dont know for sure if he truly existed or not.The Daodejing recorded all of his teachings. unconnected Confucianism and Legalism, Daoists care more about natural order than social order (4). They thought that the government should just leave people alone. They believe that if people back tooth live in unison with nature and their intimate feelings, social order will naturally come (4). Daoists thought that arguments about right or wrong are gaunt and people should just accept things as they are (4). Like Confucianism, Daoists also had to follow their own item-by-item Dao, or way, though the ideals are a bit different.They believe that one must find their single Dao to relate to nature and each other (4). Another important aspect of Daoism is the Yin and Yang. It is the concept of how there is no dark without light, and no light without dark. An excerpt from the Daodejing says when they all know the good as good, there arises the erudition of evil (2). Confucianists thought that that people had to tame hard to make earth a better place, while Daoists thought that its isnt action but inaction and allow nature take its course that will help people execute harmony with the universe and to find the will of nirvana (3).Although there are many differences amid Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism, there are also many similarities. They all want to fuddle social order, though through different ways. only the philosophies ideas were recorded in a book. For Confucianism its the Analects. For Daoism its the Daodejing, and even though Xunzi was a C onfucianist, his book, The Book of Xunzi, talks about Legalism ideas. Daoism and Confucianism twain believe that each person has an individual Dao to follow. These three philosophies of ancient China have its own interesting characteristics and ideas.Although they have many differences, the three different philosophies are laced together by one finis to have peace in society. These philosophies steer rulers in ancient China and helped them achieve social order. Even now, thousands of years later, you can still see some of their characteristics in the modern world. Bibliography The all-important(a) macrocosm account pg. 63 A Debate oer Good and Evil The Essential World chronicle pg. 64 The Daoist Answer to Confucianism The Essential World History pg 61-64 World History Ancient to Modern Times Chapter 6 Section 2 (pg. 153-157).