Chinese philosophy

complex than just simple religious practices. Religions are now philosophies that people study and make a living from. Whether like Confucianism which focuses on society and Taoism which focuses on nature, peace and self discovery and love, these two religions or philosophies have been around since 550BCE. The main topics that will be discussed in this essay are primarily on the differences between these two main religions/philosophies of China - Taoism and Confucianism and discussing which of the

Confucianism is an ethical and philosophical system, originated from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 BCE). Often viewed as a religion, Confucianism can be understood as a way of thinking or living. Confucius thought the world was made of orderly hierarchies in both of family and government, and that people at the top of the hierarchy should rule with kindness to win the respect of their people. Where Legalism emphasizes law. The law rewards who obeys and punish who break

depends on what philosophy you agree with, Taoism or Legalism. Legalism is a philosophy that states people are born bad, and need strict rules to stay in line. Taoism ,however, states that humans are born with good morals and must live in harmony . Taoism is the best philosophy to live your life by. Taoism Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy created by Laozi. The main focus of his teachings concern living in harmony with tao. Toa is the guiding force of all reality. This philosophy was developed

thousand years, separating civilized development in China from the rest of the world. (China kept much to herself until about two hundred years ago. Then the British, using gunpowder invented by the Chinese, forced the door to China wide open to the West, starting the most humiliating chapter in Chinese history and the interactions with the rest of the world). Developments in China and the West progressed at a similar pace, despite their engaging in little intellectual communications. Great thinkers

In Chinese history, there were three main philosophies: Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism. These beliefs helped shape Chinese culture as well as Chinese history. Not only did people believe in these ideas, but the three helped to govern the mighty Chinese dynasties. These dynasties all provided an impact to each doctrine; the philosophy that had the greatest impact was legalism because it ended the Warring States Period, provided structure, and strengthened agriculture, and the military of China

Confucianism, a system of societal and ethical philosophies, was founded on the principles of social rituals (li), and humanism (ren) during a time of social upheaval in the early Zhou Dynasty (476 BCE - 221 BCE). Opposing the commonly practiced Legalist mindset of strict law and statecraft, practitioners of Confucianism attempted to embody an ethical core of Chinese societal behaviors that would root a stable social order. Establishing cultural patterns of behavior and religious rituals that were

China. Their names were Lao Tzu and Confucius, and they were Chinese philosophers. Lao Tzu is better known as the founder of the religion and philosophy Taoism, which has a large following in China and some other parts of the world. Confucius was another philosopher who lived around the same time as Lao Tzu. He is also the founder of Confucianism, one of the better-known philosophies around the world. In the world of Chinese philosophy, one cannot find better words than those spoken by Lao Tzu or

China and the West 1500-1800 The Chinese and European cultures came together for the first time in the fifteenth century when great Chinese fleets traveled throughout the Indian Ocean and along the coast of Africa. These voyages created much concern for China. They lead to a period of isolation for security reasons. By the time the first Europeans arrived in China there was little to no evidence of these voyages. (Mungello 2005) Fallowing that time the Chinese government proceeded with a policy

in formidable fashion even today. As with any other religion, there exist similarities and differences between Taoism and Confucianism that will be discussed. Taoism and Confucianism are quite similar with respect to the Chinese culture. For example, the majority of the Chinese

A Synopsis of the Ethics of Confucianism In contrast to Western philosophy, Chinese thought views man as but a single, though vital part of the complexity of nature. The Chinese have aspired to attain harmony with nature as a source of spiritual satisfaction. Life is not a transitory phenomenon, but real, viewed and appreciated for its beauty and order. They, i.e. beauty and order, are esthetic entities and are to be cherished and savored in life. Man and nature are in a reciprocal relationship