Confucianism and Taoism are two well known philosophies from China. Created by Confucius and Lao-tzu, these ideas have developed side by side for more than 2,000 years. Throughout history, these two frames of mind have guided large regions of the world at different times. In American society, these two ideologies would produce very different results should they be implemented. Although they do have certain similarities, Confucianism’s values of Filial Piety and Humaneness would be very beneficial to American society while Taoism’s principals of inaction and individualized independence would be detrimental.
The philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism both share many attributes, many of which are based around their ideological purposes. Confucianism and Taoism were both created during the warring state period in China, between 600-400 BCE. This is significant because China was in a state of dissension. Because of this, Lao-tzu and Confucius were looking to bring peace to the empire with a set of common values. Both philosophies believed in the importance of education. Confucianism supported a standardized system while observers of Taoism looked for a self-led approach to learning. In addition, Lao-tzu and Confucius each advocated a life of respect. Though Confucianism and Taoism had many similarities, their key differences set their function in modern society apart.
If implemented, Confucianism would create a very different American society than what is currently functioning. Confucianism revolves around two main values. These are Filial Piety and Humaneness. Filial piety is characterized by respect for one’s parents, elders, and ancestors. In his script; The Analects, Confucius writes “Few of those who are filial sons and respectful brothers will show disrespect to superiors, and there has never been a man who is respectful to superiors and yet creates disorder. A superior man is devoted to the fundamental. When the root is firmly established, the moral law will grow. Filial piety and brotherly respect are the root of humanity.”(Analects 1:2). In current American culture, people are losing touch with their families. In this country, family is rarely part of one’s identity. Confucianism would restore
during the Zhou Dynasty, China was experiencing a great deal of political turmoil. A major part of this era was called the Period of the Warring States. It was a time when there were numerous wars that occurred due to the conflict that existed between seven states. (Watkins, 2013) These warring states were the Han, Wu, Zhao, Chu, Qi, Yan and Jin. According to Jerry H. Bentley and Herbert F. Ziegler of the book Traditions and Encounters, “This period forced some people to reflect on the nature of society, and the roles of humans beings within society.” The authors continued saying that it forced others to “identify principles that would restore political and social order.” (Bentley & Ziegler, 2011) The principles of Confucianism were established and followed in order to help the citizens of China to live and govern their communities more efficiently. Through Confucianism, Confucius helped legitimize China’s rule and bring about order in the mist of turmoil. The effects of Confucius’ principles are still seen and felt today in many aspects of modern day Chinese society. Veritably, there were points throughout Chinese history where Confucianism affected almost every aspect of life in China. Confucius has impacted the development of Chinese thought and culture in various ways from education to politics, to familial relationships.
The Taoist philosophy is based on the teachings of Laozi and seems to have a more religious flow to it. Where as Confucian writings focus on the government and social order. Confucius believed that if a person behaved properly, then their family would follow suit, then their neighborhood, their city, and in time the whole country. The basis for a good system of government was the ideal Confucius family. Confucius talked about the 5 relations. They are emperor/subject, parent/child, husband/wife, older sibling/young sibling, friend/friend; all of which (with the exception of friend/friend) were based on the parent/child relationship. A large part of Confucianism is filial piety. The Superior Man, according to Confucian beliefs, is not only virtuous because of his actions but because of his attitude as well. This is why the Confucian belief that should the government behave in such a way the whole country will see this good and follow it.
Hinduism and Confucianism are two well known religions that have been around for thousands of years. they have a lot of similarities, but also some differences. Both religions are located in Asia, while Hinduism is mainly in India, and Confucianism is in China. Both religions are based around the people’s actions as well as the meaning of life, which are shown through their strict society and social structures. Even though they’re different, both religions have 3 principles or values they go by. They are two of the most peaceful religions on the planet, with both their goals being to bring order in human existence, they both look to bettering the lives of the people within them. Hinduism and Confucianism both believe very much in education and social statues, which is why they have strict policies on them. They have both influenced philosophy greatly since their existence in the early times. Overall, both Hinduism and Confucianism look for the common good that will help enforce peace and brotherhood. Their belief systems go on a basis of making their followers act accordingly, helping to run their government and set a stable mindset for its people.
Amidst the chaos of political instability and constant warring of the Zhou era, arose many intellectual thinkers that brought such a profound impact in the fields of politics, religion, and philosophy. Even to this day, their influence can be seen on the many matters of China. Confucianism became the paramount school of thinking and later significant philosophies such as Daoism and Legalism gained immense recognition as well. Each party had their own proposals for creating an idealistic political society where the many problems they faced in their everyday lives could be eliminated. All three approaches were very distinct but at the same time, they contained similarities as well. In my reasoning, I find that Confucianism and Daoism
Buddhism and Taoism both originated and influenced most the Asian area. They are not just religions but a way of living life with philosophic principles. They are both seeking equality and moral existence. Buddhism have several branches just like the Hinayana, Mahayana, Esoteric, Pure Land, and the Zen Buddhism. Taoism can also be divided into a few. The main ones are the Southern and Northern Taoism. Taoism got many principles borrowed from the Buddhist one they influenced each other through their history. Taoism in the beginning was rather a mixture of mythology, folk, and philosophy teachings. With the arrival of Buddhism, it was forced to renew and reorganize itself. Both of the religion does their practices in monasteries, temples and shrines and also both of them use statues and pictures expressing their beliefs.
Confucianism and Daoism are both chinese religions. They both incorporated religious practices with daily activities in a way that it pertained to philosophy as well as religion, making the secular sacred. Confucianism was grounded in ethics and virtuous socio-political conditions. Daoism, also known as Taoism, sought to establish the proper relation between humans and the cosmos through discernment of the Tao, or Way. Confucianists are more concerned with social relationships and Taoism is of a more broader nature and more mystically oriented and more philosophical. They both focused on relationships that humans had with each other as well as the relationships that humans had with nature. They were atheistic in a sense that they had no
Confucianism is a traditional ideology that has already penetrated into every Chinese head. Its main principle is to follow the past, changes and new technologies or new objects are not necessary. Whatever happened in the past are the best standards to follow. The way that Qing government responded after being defeated in the Opium War was shocking from current perspective. China accepted all the unfair treaties to cover the
History has shown us, that Daoism and Confucianism have many things in common as well as many differences, let me start with what is Daoism and Confucianism. Daoism is also known as Taoism, is a religious tradition originated from China in the 550 B.C.E, it was founded by Lao Tzu, a great philosopher and the author of the “Dao De Jing” .The “Dao De Jing” or “Tao Te Ching” is a Chinese text that contains 81 chapters explaining the “ways” of Chinese life, it is often used by the monks or persons that practice the Daoism. Daoism’s main focus is on nature, and not on the social world. Compassion, moderation and humility are also focuses
Confucianism and Daoism are two religions that originated in China. Both religions remain strong today because of the firm principles instituted by their ancient leaders. Confucianism is a philosophy that started with Confucius, and Daoism, also known as Taoism, began with Lao-tzu. Confucius was a politician, musician, and philosopher who left his job in politics to teach a group of students his moral beliefs that are still followed in China today. In contrast, Lao-tzu’s name translates into “Old Man” or “Old Teacher” and his existence is questionable to this day.
Chinese Religions 1. Both Taoism and Confucianism are very similar, yet very different. They both arose in ancient China due to one pre-existing religion that branched off into two different. The two traditions share a belief in the importance of harmony and balance. This is often depicted through the interaction of yin and yang.
Confucian ethics focused on groups, humans living in communities and in societies advancing human culture and civilization in harmony and balance with each other. Taoist(Daoist) ethics focused on individuals separate lives and personal moral advancement in harmony and balance with nature. Both Confucian and Daoists focus on cultivation of Wen and virtue of Te-power without force. Both also focus on a kind of humility. In Confucianism this is Chun Tzu; in Daosim it is humility to nature and natural order. Both honor the past, tradition, and ancestors, and both have a concern for the future. However, the
Taoism and Confucianism are two primary Chinese ways of thinking. Historically, these two philosophies have been viewed as polar opposites, but upon further research, they have the same mission. The belief system of Taoism viewed in Tao Te Ching, written by Lao Tzu, is the monistic belief that human kind has a connection to the universe, and the “way” controls your life and everything that you do. The “way” has a pre-determined plan for your life, and you must sit back and follow it. On the other hand, Confucianism represented in The Art of War, shows that you have to work and discipline yourself to become complete. The Art of War is essentially a “battle plan”, and “Tao Te Ching “ is a essentially a book of ultimate humility. These two pieces seem quite different with their own different goals. While Confucianism and Taoism have different ways of reaching their respective goals, their goals and their destiny is essentially the same: and that is self-control.
Confucianism is regarded as one of the primary religions that have profoundly influenced Chinese beliefs and ideologies. While Kongzi, or Confucius, is the founder of Confucianism, he is not the only philosopher who has contributed to such a significant impact on China. Similarly, the Analects of Confucius is not the single text that represents Confucianism. In fact, during different time periods throughout the history, there are a number of eminent representatives of Confucian thoughts, such as Mengzi and Xunzi. Because Confucianism aims at eliminating chaos and maintaining order in a harmonious society , they all agree that the guidance and education of virtuous Confucian pioneers are of extreme importance to achieve this
Confucianism was founded by the first Chinese thinker to address both the political and social order of things straightforwardly and self- consciously. Kong Fuzi, or Confucius in English, lived from 551-479 B.C.E., but his teachings did not reach their full potential during the his life of an educator and political advisor born into an aristocratic family. Confucius gathered many disciples to spread his beliefs that were rooted in moral, ethical, and political character. He didn’t address questions about religion because he believed they were above the human moral intelligence capacity, nor those regarding obscure, complicated philosophical questions because they would not help solve the problems of China. Confucius did not really even care about the state, but he did believe
First of all, Taoism has many differences with Confucism, such as the causes and solutions. Taoism was a way for unity and Confucism was a way to become closer to your family. Confucism was purely based on building a structured society where family members acted a certain way with other people, such as siblings, parents, and their rulers. Taoism was being one with the Tao,