Philosophy Of Confucianism

Submitted By lships
Words: 629
Pages: 3
Open Document
There have been many philosophical ideas that influenced the way the Chinese government worked. Chinese philosophers accepted the freedom of religion and believed that any religion should promote the idea of universal harmony. Religion should be used for spiritual richness of mankind, not for politics in any sense. Two philosophies, Confucianism and Daoism, provide ethical guides to proper behavior, like most religions did. Legalism was a strict code with a harsh government and strict penalties when rules are broken. Confucianism is the only idea that could possibly succeed in sustaining a democratic government in today’s society.
Confucianism has a focus on logic and learning, with 5 relationships of superiority and inferiority and one equal. Keeping things straight forward with little room for interpretation will help a society move forward and improve life. Everyone will know their places and no one will be able to fight it. The philosopher who developed Confucianism was Confucius and his goal with the five relationships is to teach who had authority. The relationships are between ruler and ruled, father and son, older brother and younger brother, husband and wife, and friend and friend, in all of these one has authority over the other. The superior must set an example for the inferior and is also responsible for the inferior, while the inferior respects and obeys the superior. This sets the line for people and the laws and punishments are fair, unless a superior is corrupt this idea could work.
Legalism has harsh laws with harsh punishments revolving around the belief that people are evil. People in today’s society know too much for this to work. They would be aware the laws were unfair and punishments unjust. If a ruler using these ideas was elected and put his belief in Han Feizi’s ideas to use he would not be elected again. Laws and punishments would be too harsh for a society who did not grow up with them. The idea of people being evil would not appeal to the people either. No one wants to believe they, or their neighbors and friends, are naturally evil. Ultimately this would not work because of the harsh ideals behind it; no one wants to be evil.
Daoism is the belief that people are naturally good so there are fewer rules and there is also a strong belief in nature. The idea of using nature as a
Show More

Related Documents: Philosophy Of Confucianism

Ancient Greek Innovation

Innovations and inventions have always been foremost in the progression of civilized society. Many of these developments started abrupt advancement, while others merely provided the basis for potential development for the future. The progress was often slow and erratic but led to what was considered luxuries of their time and necessities of our current age. From the centuries old employment of stone technology at the beginning of recorded human history to present-day technology, invention and innovation…

Words 838 - Pages 4

Nike vs. Adidas Essay

ghtenment -involved application of human reason to improve society -Scientific revolution= less trust in the church -supported marriages based on love (raised the status of women and family life) -began with philosophes -some Enlightenment thinkers followed Deism, and then left it to operate by natural law -Philosophers: John Locke, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Adam Smith -Adam Smith set forth the principles of laissez-faire economies, capitalism(more supply and demand) -Rousseau…

Words 729 - Pages 3

Course Study Guide Essay

Humanities Baroque 17th Century (1600’s) Art Characteristics Flamboyant nature Dramatic nature Strong colors Scale is large Religious nature Lavish Louis XIV Chiaroscuro (huge contrast between light and dark) Artists &Architects and their Art& Architecture (Look up the art/architecture on mypisd.net) Caravaggio The Calling of Saint Matthew The Cardsharps Bernini St. Theresa in Ecstasy St. Peter’s Colonnade Gentileschi Judith and Holofernes Valazquez Las Meninas El…

Words 5048 - Pages 21

A Note On Monotheism

Description | | | Term | | | belief in one god; Judaism is the first | monotheism | belief in many gods; Hinduism | polytheism | past deeds will determine the future; Hinduism | karma | holy book of Judaism | Torah | holy book of Islam | Quran/Koran | holy book of Christianity | The Bible (Old--from Judaism--and New Testament) | holy book of Hinduism | Vedas | God's son Jesus is call the _________. | messiah | Given to Moses on the mountain;…

Words 2763 - Pages 12

Essay idk what to write

indulgences) Not being fed explanations – Empiricism – Using science to challenge Church ideas Reason & individualism – Questioning Church Public education – “Enlightened” with truth Belief in progress More secular outlook Importance of individual Philosophes John Locke – Reasonable beings able to self-govern (democracy) All born free & equal with three natural rights – life, liberty, and property Gov’t designed to protect natural rights – Right of Revolution if fails to do so Power comes from…

Words 5417 - Pages 22