Confucianism
- Confucianism is a Chinese philosophy founded by the philosopher Confucius.
- The philosophy believes that human beings are fundamentally good but need obligations and rituals in their lives to provide good moral structure.
- The Golden Rule is an extremely important principle for moral behavior, "Do unto others as you would have done to you."
- Right action is based on fulfilling one’s obligations. You should not worry about the results or consequences but rather your intent and doing what you’re supposed to do (Very similar to Immanuel Kant’s philosophy).
- Confucianism encourages five virtues: 1) Benevolence (humaneness)
2) Righteousness (justice) 3) Proper rite 4) Knowledge 5) Integrity
- Confucius taught that our lives are centered around five main relationships.
The Five Relationships:
The way things should be done in social life.
A) Father (Mother) and son (daughter) - relationship is based on reverence
B) Older brother (sister) and younger brother (sister) - relationship based on gentleness and respect
C) Husband and wife - relationship based on good listening
D) Older friend and younger friend - Older should be considerate, younger should be deferential
E) Ruler and subject - Ruler should be benevolent and subjects should be loyal
- Confucius emphasizes a respect for age. Age gives all things worth. He said that we need to be especially reverent to our elders especially since they have great wisdom.
- There is a great focus on respect for family, the belief is called filial piety. Parents should be greatly admired because Confucius says that parents sacrifice their lives for their children.
- When parents die, their unfulfilled goals and purposes are passed down to their children.
- Confucianism also focuses on the relationship between government and community. It teaches that the ruling class or people in power need to work for the good of the people and not to selfishly misuse their power. It also states that citizens must be respectful and supportive of their government.
- Social harmony can only be attained when rulers and subjects are in right relationship.
- Confucianism believes in meritocracy - the idea that a person gets what he or she earns. People should not be restricted or held to a class but can elevate their positions through hard work and merit.
Daoism (Taoism)
- Daoism is one of the major Chinese based philosophies which came from the teachings of the great thinker and teacher Lao Zu.
- The Dao (origin of everything) is the cause for creation. There is no way to explain what exactly the Dao is.
- It is important to live a life of moderation and balance with limited material possessions.
- There is a spiritual energy that exists in the universe. Living a life of virtue produces good energy.
- It's important to see the connection between our minds and bodies. People need to have time for meditation and exercise.
- One of the goals of the philosophy is to find one’s place in the universe and to be in harmony with the world.
- It encourages the virtue of simplicity. Those who struggle against their circumstances only bring about suffering. The way things are in the world are the way they are meant to be.
- Daoism emphasizes unity with nature. It seeks to minimize material possessions which are artificial and not meant for human beings.
- The goal is to find contentment in yourself. Nothing external will bring you happiness.
- Doctrine of inaction - We should not do things that aren’t natural Humans are at their best when their actions flow unconsciously and spontaneously.
- Daoism is based on balance and paradox. “He who does nothing, accomplishes everything… Do nothing and everything will be done.” “The person who speaks little and argues less is happiest.
- Relativity and subjectivity are two principles supported by Daoism.
- Daoism preaches against ambition and desire. You need to accept and go along with your destiny
- People spend too much time trying to accomplish things that don’t really matter