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Chinese philosophy

The Chinese Philosophy has a long history of thousands of years. It refers to any of several schools of philosophical thought in the Chinese tradition. The principal concepts of the Chinese Philosophy are heavily influenced by the beliefs of significant figures like Laozi, Confucius, Mozi and Mencius, who all lived in the second half of the Zhou dynasty (8th to 3rd century BCE) (Violatti). The main characteristic of Chinese Philosophy is humanism, which emphasizes on the role of humans and their positions in the society. The Chinese culture has been notably shaped and influenced by the Chinese philosophies, such as:


Confucianism

  • This school of philosophy developed from the teachings of the sage Confucius (551 - 479 B.C.) and is collected in the Analects

  • Areas of focus: Moral, social, political, and quasi-religious thought

  • Major concepts: Ren (humanity or humaneness), Zhengming (similar to the concept of the Mandate of Heaven), Zhong (loyalty), Xiao (filial piety), and Li (ritual).

  • Confucianism is also known to introduce:

  • Golden Rule (the teaching emphasizing that you should treat others as you would like other to treat you)

  • Ying and Yang

  • Meritocracy (government or the holding of power by people selected on the basis of their ability)

  • Reconciling opposites (finding a common ground, combining the best of 2 opposites)

  • Other well-known Confucians are Mencius (Meng Zi) and Xunzi (Xun zi)

  • It not necessarily considered as a religion, allowing one to be a Taoist, Christian, Muslim, Shintoist or Buddhist and still profess Confucianism beliefs.




Taoism (Daoism)

  • It is a philosophy which afterwards developed into a religion based on the texts "Tao Te Ching" (or "Daodejing") by Lao Tzu (or Laozi) in the 6th century BC, and "Zhuangzi", named after its author (4th century BC).

  • The character Dao道 (Dao) literally means "path" or "way".

  • 3 Jewels of Tao: Compassion, moderation, and humility.

  • Main concepts:

  • Wu wei ("non-action")

  • Spontaneity

  • Humanism

  • Relativism

  • Emptiness

  • Strength of softness (or flexibility)

  • Ying and Yang




Mohism:

  • This philosophy was founded by Mozi (c. 470 - 390 BC), and was popular in the latter period of Zhou Dynasty.

  • Main concept:

  • Universal love which aims for mutual benefit, such that everyone must love each other equally.

  • Prevention of conflict and war.

  • The Mozi was very opposite to Confucianism.

  • During the Qin Dynasty, numerous Mohist texts were destroyed, and was eventually replaced by Confucianism during the Han Dynasty.



Buddhism

  • It is a religion/practical philosophy that is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, or also known as Buddha (mid-6th to the early 5th Century BC).

  • The beliefs of Buddhism was introduced in the 1st century BC from India.

  • Combines ideas of Confucianism, Taoism and other indigenous philosophical systems.

  • The most prominent Chinese Buddhist schools are Sanlun, Tiantai, Huayan and Chán (known as Zen in Japan).

  • Main concepts:

  • Reincarnation (people reborn to another life after dying)



Legalism

  • Based on the combination made by philosopher Han Fei and the term ‘Legalism’ was named by Sima Tan.

  • It is a pragmatic political philosophy (dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations).

  • Main concepts:

  • "Set clear strict laws, or deliver harsh punishment".

  • A ruler should govern his subjects according to Fa (law or principle), Shu (method, tactic, art, or statecraft) and Shi (legitimacy, power, or charisma).




Works Cited

Carr, Karen Eva. Chinese Philosophy. 2015. Web. 15 November 2015. <http://quatr.us/china/philosophy/>.

Chinese Cultural Studies: Philosophy and Religion in China . 2015. Web. 15 November 2015. <http://acc6.its.brooklyn.cuny.edu/~phalsall/texts/chinrelg.html>.

Hall, David L. Chinese philosophy. 2015. Web. 15 November 2015. <https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/chinese-philosophy>.

Korcz, Keith Allen. What Is Philosophy? n.d. Web. 15 November 2015. <http://philosophy.louisiana.edu/what.html>.

Littlejohn, Ronnie. Chinese Philosophy: Overview of Topics. n.d. Web. 15 November 2015. <http://www.iep.utm.edu/chin-ovr/>.

Mastin, Luke. Chinese Philosophy. 2008. Web. 15 November 2015. <http://www.philosophybasics.com/general_eastern_chinese.html>.

Richey, Jeff. Confucius (551—479 B.C.E.). n.d. Web. 15 November 2015. <http://www.iep.utm.edu/confuciu/>.

Violatti, Cristian. Ancient Chinese Philosophy. 17 June 2015. Web. 15 November 2015. <http://www.ancient.eu/Chinese_Philosophy/>.

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