Chapter 21: Three Chinese Philosophies
Essential Question: How did Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism influence political rule in ancient China?
In this chapter, you learn about three major Chinese philosophies—Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism—and their influence on political rule in ancient China.
The Zhou Dynasty
All three schools of thought developed in the later years of the Zhou dynasty. Zhou rulers believed they had the Mandate of Heaven, a divine right to rule China. For a time, the Zhou's practice of feudalism helped stabilize China. But during the dynasty's later years, China collapsed into disorder. Political unrest led many scholars to debate the proper way to rule. Confucianism Confucius taught his followers that peace and order depended upon proper behavior. Those in authority must lead by example.Those lower in status must obey. Confucianism led Han leaders to hire civil servants based on ability and tested knowledge rather than on family relationships. Daoism Daoists believed that people should live simply and in harmony with the ways of nature. Harmony could be reached by balancing yin and yang, the opposite forces of nature. Daoists said that the best rulers were those who ruled the least. Legalism Legalists believed that people were driven by their own self-interest. Legalism taught that rulers could create order in society only through strict laws and harsh punishments. |
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