2013 Chinese Philosophies and
Religions
What is philosophy?
• Literally: a love for wisdom
• Typically asks Questions like:
– What is the purpose of life?
– What is a good person like?
– What is success?
– What is truth? What is knowledge?
– How should I act in a situation?
• Often philosophy and religion overlap
Why did these philosophies develop?
• War and social changes
were disrupting everyday
life
• Government lacked
control
• These philosophies helped
guide people and the
government to a better life
Religion In China
• The religious history of China is
complex, and has evolved over
the centuries.
• Deeply interwoven into their
beliefs is the worship of their
ancestors.
• The Chinese believed that the
spirits of their ancestors were
watching over them, and that
they could be called upon
during difficult times.
Chinese Folk Religion
• Belief in spirits
• Reverence for ancestors
• Priests perform blessing rituals:
– purifying space
– Exorcising evil spirits (“hungry ghosts”)
• Astrology
• Divination
Chinese metaphysics is about…
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Energy
Change
Balance
Harmony
Inter-relationships
Chinese Metaphysics
Movement of cosmic energies:
Rising
Falling
Expanding
Contracting
Rotating
Represented by and expressed in
the “five elements” of nature…
The “Five Elements”
Productive cycle
Fire
Wood
Water
Earth
Metal
Chinese Metaphysics
Concepts
• Chi – life force, life energy (“ultimate”)
• Yin-Yang – harmony of opposites
– Yin = passive state of energy
– Yang = active state of energy
Tao
[
– the “way” of the cosmos, of nature
Heaven (t’ien) and Earth
“Mandate of Heaven”
Practical applications: I-Ching and Feng Shui
The I-Ching
“Book of Changes”
• Ancient divination technique (at least 3000
years old)
• Intended to guide humans in decision making
• Based on combinations of lines representing
the ever changing relationship between
passive (yin) and active (yang) energy flow of
heaven, human, and earth
= yin
= yang
The Tri-grams
Eight combinations of three lines each:
heaven
wind /
wood
lake
Fire
water
thunder
mountain
earth
Using the I-Ching Tool
• Symbolism of the lines:
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Upper line = energy state of heaven
Middle line = energy state of human
Lower line = energy state of earth
#31
• Two sets of trigrams are divined to create a
hexagram
• Use coins or sticks to divine one of 64 hexagrams
• Use I-Ching text to discern meaning of the
hexagram and any additional meaning for
“changing lines” (energies on the verge of
changing)
• A skilled interpreter is needed to apply the
generic meaning of the hexagram
Feng Shui
• The Chinese art of placement (geomancy)
• Means “wind water”– symbolically, the
constant flow of wind and water that
creates constant change in the world also
affects us
• Uses the five elements and the eight
directions of the I-Ching as the Bagua tool
• Seeks to maintain constant and balanced
flow of energies (chi) in a space for
improved flow of energy in the people who
use the space
Origins of the
Mandate
• During the Shang dynasty
(2000-1027 B.C.E.) the concept
of “Tian” was created
• Meaning: sky, heavens, god,
the cosmos
– idea of heaven
– governed all creation
– guided moral order
天
Origins of the
Mandate
• Zhou dynasty (1120-221 B.C.E.)
concept of “tian ming”
• Mandate of Heaven
– explains conquest and
submission of falling dynasties
– Divinely inspired process
– Anyone could assume the right
to rule
– Tian, or Heaven, chose who
would rule the people
The Mandate of Heaven is based on four principles:
• The right to rule is granted by Heaven
– Which gives the ruler prestige and religious importance.
• There is only one Heaven
– Therefore there can be only one ruler.
• The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler
– Which serves as a check on the ruler's power.
• The right to rule is not limited to one dynasty
– Which justifies rebellion as long as the rebellion is successful.
Origins of the
Mandate
• A dynasty maintained rule as
long as they:
– ruled with benevolence and
justice
– duties of the ruler were
carried out correctly
• Failure meant the Tian could
choose a new ruling family
– could not be selfish, cruel, or
oppressive
Dynastic Cycle
• Represents a dynasty’s rise
and fall
• Cycle starts with winning the
Mandate (approval) of heaven
• Period of prosperity, marked
by motivated and capable
emperors
• Apex (peak) marked by
political, economic, and
cultural flowering.
Dynastic Cycle
• Then the decline began,
usually slow (sometimes
quite rapid): marked by
administrative corruption,
repressive laws, and
incapable and lazy
emperors.
• Dynasty would face rebellion
and disunity, the loss of
peoples’ support, and loss of
Mandate
The Dynastic Cycle
Peak of Dynasty
Decline of
Dynasty
New Ruler
Achieves
Prosperity
Rebellion and
Disunity
Winner of the
Rebellion Wins The
Mandate of Heaven
Loss of The
Mandate of
Heaven
In Summary
The dynastic cycle appears as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
A new ruler unites China, founds a new dynasty, and gains the Mandate of Heaven
China, under the new dynasty, achieves prosperity.
The population increases
Corruption becomes rampant in the imperial court, and the empire begins to enter
decline and instability.
5. A natural disaster wipes out farm land. The disaster normally would not have been a
problem; however, together with the corruption and overpopulation it causes famine.
6. The famine causes the population to rebel and starts a civil war.
7. The ruler loses the Mandate of Heaven.
8. The population decreases because of the violence.
9. China goes through a warring states period.
10. One state emerges victorious.
11. The state starts a new empire.
12. The empire gains the Mandate of Heaven.
– (The cycle repeats itself.)
•
Kennedy, Bruce. "Chinese Dynastic Cycle." Killer Roos. 17 February 2008
Key Chinese Dynasties
A terra cotta officer from the Qin
Dynasty (221-206 BCE)
Emperor Taizong - Tang Dynasty
Xia
Shang
2070-1600 BCE
1600-1046 BCE
470 years
554 years
Zhou
West 1046-771 BCE
East 770-256
275 years
514 years
Tang
618-907 AD
289 years
Song
North 960-1127 AD
South 1127-1279 AD
167 years
152 years
Ming
1368-1644 AD
276 years
Qing
1644-1911 AD
268 years
History of Chinese Philosophies
The History of Chinese Philosophy
• The Classical Age (6th century BC-2d century AD)
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Confucianism (Confucius, 551-479 BC)
Daoism (Lao Tzu, 6th century BC)
Mohism (Mo Tzu, 468-376 BC)
The Yin-Yang School (founder unknown)
The School of Names (Logic) (Hui Shih, c. 380-305 BC)
Legalism (Han Fei Tzu, d. 23 BC)
• The Medieval Age (2d-10th centuries BC): relations & conflicts
between Confucianism, Daoism, & Buddhism
• The Modern Age (11th century AD-Present)
– Neo-Confucianism (incorporation of Daoist & Buddhist elements in an
overall Confucian perspective) (Chu Hsi, 1130-1200 AD & many others)
– 20th century impact of Western philosophies such as Pragmatism &
Marxism
How is a man to live in a world dominated
by chaos, suffering, and absurdity??
Confucianism --> Moral order in society.
Legalism --> Rule by harsh law & order.
Daoism --> Freedom for individuals and
less govt. to avoid
uniformity and conformity.
Confucianism
Confucianism
Philosophy
Goal
Confucianism
Founder:
Confucius
A just and
peaceful society
How
Achieved
All people must
respect and obey
those above them.
Those with authority
should set a good
example.
Influence
Civil servants were
hired on the bases
of ability and had to
pass tests.
Values such as
respect for elders,
proper behavior and
love of scholarship
became part of
Chinese culture.
Belief Systems
• Confucianism
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Based on the writings of Confucius (ca 500 BCE)
Human nature is essentially good
Emphasized virtuous behavior
Hierarchal view of the universe
• Focuses on relationships: ruler/subject, parent/child,
husband/wife, older brother/younger brother, friend/friend.
When each behaves correctly society functions correctly.
– Moral foundations of govt.
Rise of Chinese Philosophies
5 Basic Social Relationships:
Confucianism
• Ruler & Subject
• Founder:
– Confucius (551-479 B.C.)
• Ideas About Social Order:
– Emphasis on family
– Respect for elders (filial piety)
• Father & Son
• Husband & Wife
• Older Brother & Younger
Brother
• Friend & Friend
• Ideas About Government:
– Emphasis on education
• Could change a commoner into a gentleman
– Trained civil service essential for good gov’t
Confucius
• Confucius: Latinized
title
• Real name K’ung Fu-tzu
(Master K’ung)
• 551-479 BCE
• Nicknames: The First
Holy One, First Teacher,
Teacher of the Ten
Thousand Generations
• Never lived to see his
doctrines put into
practice
Anthem
The ancient
State of Lu
That’s where Confucius
was born & spent most
of his life.
Confucianism originated in China,
but its influence spread to Korea &
Japan over the centuries.
Confucius
• Born in 551 B.C.
• died in 479 B.C.
551 – 479 B.C.E.
Born in the feudal
state of Liu.
Became a teacher
and editor of books.
Confucius
• Born into a
noble family
• Passionate
about studying
• Developed
many talents
and skills
Confucianism - Origins
Kung-Fu-tzu (Confucius) “Master Kung”
• 551 - 479 BCE
• Embraces the values of the past
• Political aspirations unfulfilled
• The “greatest teacher who ever lived”
• Rejected in his own day, but the model for
Chinese culture for over 2000 years
Meng-Tzu (Mencius) (4th century) continues to
develop teachings of Confucius
Confucius as Leader
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Became a judge in Zhongdu
Later, Minister of Crime for the state of Lu
His state grew rich and crime was lowered
Greedy, jealous leaders of other states forced
him to leave his job.
A Time of Turmoil
• Chou Dynasty (1122-253 BCE)
• Golden Age -> The reign of Yu Wang (780 BCE)
• Feudal lords in power, Emperor is empty title
“China was no longer one
country but a dozen, each
potentially the enemy of any
other” (Collis 6)
Traveling Teacher
• Taught throughout China
• Had 72 close disciples
• A few thousand others
• Word of mouth
Confucius Traveled
• Confucius visited the courts of various princes,
hoping to convince them to put his ideas into
practice.
• Disappointed by the princes refusals, he
returned home, where he taught a small but
loyal group of followers.
• After his death, his followers collected his
teachings in the Analects.
Confucianism
• In his early twenties he became a tutor
• At the age of fifty Confucius set out on a 13 year
trek
• He died at the age of 74
• Confucius was undoubtedly one of the worlds
best teachers
• He always taught very informal, like a fellow
learner with his students
• He never thought of himself as a sage
The Life and Legacy of Confucius
• Born in 551B.C.E. to a noble
but poor family.
• Confucius died in 479 B. C. E.
• Confucius was an exceptional
student who later became a
teacher and a government
official.
Confucianism
• With his death began his glorification
– His teachings have touched almost every Chinese
student for the past two thousand years.
– Confucius believed that tradition was the key to
peace, in this very unstable time.
– He believed that tradition would show them the way
back to a happy China.
Confucius
(551–479 B.C.E.)
• Chinese thinker and social
philosopher
• Deeply influenced Chinese,
Japanese, Korean, and
Vietnamese thought
• Emphasized study, and
learning
• The best government rules
based on natural morality
rather than bribery
"What one does not wish for oneself, one ought not to do to anyone else; what one recognises
as desirable for oneself, one ought to be willing to grant to others." -Confucius
372 - 289 B.C.E.
Disciple of Confucius.
Starts off with the assumption that “people
are basically good.”
If someone does something bad, education,
not punishment, is the answer.
ä Good people will mend their ways in
accordance to their inherent goodness.
Mencius
(372-289 B.C.E.)
• Follower and disciple of Confucius
• Emphasized the moral and righteous
qualities of a ruler
• Rulers: insure peace and prosperity,
lead by example through education
and virtue, provide for the people
• A tyrant is more of a thief than a king
• A ruler who is unjust may lose the
Mandate of Heaven
"He who exerts his mind to the utmost knows his nature“ -Mencius
Followers of Confucius
Confucianism
• Confucius looked back Five Hundred years to the
Chou Dynasty for the answer on how to get
China out of turmoil.
– He shifted tradition from an unconscious state to a
state of consciousness.
– During the Chou Dynasty, warfare had become a very
gruesome affair, whole populations were put to
death. Anywhere from 60,000 to 400,000 people
slaughtered
What did Confucius believe?
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People are basically good
Need to be trained
Training begins with family
Love family, later society
Peace and Order
• The most important
things to Confucius were
peace, and order.
• He felt that everyone had
a proper role in society,
and that if people were
willing to accept their
role, and fulfill it, that
peace and harmony
would abound.
Respect for Elders
• In order to help people
accept their roles in society,
and establish order,
Confucius outlined how
individuals should treat one
another.
• The most important of these
ethics outlined the
responsibilities of children to
respect and listen to their
parents, and other elders.
Ethics
• He also laid out ethics
for how subjects
should follow rulers,
for how rulers should
treat subjects, how
husbands and wives
should treat one
another, and how
friends should treat
each other.
Confucianism as a system of ethics
• Moral conduct is the basis of social harmony
• Emphasis on self discipline and education
• Obligation to family
– Family as microcosm of the universe
– Strict Father vs. Nurturing Parent model
Confucianism as a philosophy
• “Confucianism’s root
metaphor was and is a
concern for the world”
(Berthrong)
• Humanity, reciprocity,
empathy
• Collective > Individual
• Humans are good, but
we stray
– Education and selfdiscipline
Confucianism
• Concerned primarily with restoring social
stability and order
– What is the basis of a stable, unified, and enduring
social order?
• a system of social and ethical philosophy
– “only when character is cultivated are our families
regulated; only when families are regulated are
states well governed.”
Human Relationships
Self = the center of all relationships and is constantly
changing and growing towards maturity.
Family = each person has a clear sense of place and
purpose. Good behavior and respect for elders are
important in the family.
Government = the leader has acquired the moral
perfection needed to lead by the power of example.
Heaven = represents the ultimate moral force that
guides and nurtures humanity.
Confucianism
A political and social philosophy seeking social
harmony on all levels:
Within the self
…the family
…the community
...the state
…the nation
…the world
…the cosmos
Learning from the past to improve the future
Confucian goal
• Unconditional moral obligation to work for:
– Universal human well-being
– Order & harmony
– peace & happiness in this life here on earth
• Good ruler
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Morally good
Reasonable
Moderate – not extreme
Kind and helpful
• Implications for Government
– Best rulers are wise
– Lead by example
– Developed & used civil service system
• Exams and training for gov’t jobs
Confucianism
• Confucius had Five Ideals that guided his
thoughts:
– Wen: Victory goes to the state with the highest
culture. Art has the power to ennoble the human
spirit.
China placed the scholarbureaucrat at the top of its
social scale, and its
soldiers at the bottom.
Confucianism
• Confucius had Five Ideals that guided his
thoughts:
– Jen: Is the ideal way for one to carry oneself through
life. “Measure the feeling of others by one’s own.”
– Chu Tzu: If Jen is how a person should be, then Chu
Tzu is how a person should act.
Goal of Confucianism
To develop one’s Jen: Human Heartedness
- the innate goodness of humanity
Thus becoming a Chun Tzu: the “Great
Man” or “Gentle Man”
Jen is developed through intentional living
by Confucian virtues…
Jen
•A principle of mutuality, human- heartedness, and
empathy.
•The ability to empathize with another’s
discomfort that would prevent the moral person to
refrain from acting in ways that would cause
discomfort.
•Similar to Christianity’s Golden Rule
Basically…
A person does all actions for the sake of Jen
because the respect for humanity implies the right
human way to act.
Yi
• Righteousness, moral description to do good.
• Acting in a way or doing what needs to be done
simply because it ought to be done, not for personal
gain or profit.
Basically…
A person does all action for the sake of Yi because they
are the right thing to do.
Confucius
Li draws our attention more to the social or
conventional aspects of benevolent human
conduct
Ren draws our attention more to the moral
and spiritual aspects of that conduct
Together, they comprise a social - moral spiritual human phenomena that can only be
reduced for the purposes of analysis
Confucianism
• li
– rituals, norms, institutions, or mores
– the outer, conforming aspect of Confucianism
• ren
– humaneness, love, kindness, benevolence, or
virtue
– the inner, reforming aspect of Confucianism
Li
• Rites, ceremonies, proper behavior, and good
manner
• performed in good faith, with everyone
keeping to his or her proper role
• universal harmony
• no need for physical sanctions, laws, or
punishment
Li
• Is the principle of gain or benefit, order or
propriety.
• Two main aspects of Li:
– Guide to human relationships and rules of proper
action.
– Guide to social order or general ordering of life.
Li
• The Five Relationships all represent the way things
should be done in a social life
– Father and Son (loving and reverential)
– Older Brother and Younger Brother (gentle and
respectful)
– Husband and Wife (good and listening)
– Older Friend and Younger Friend (considerate and
differential)
– Ruler and Subject (benevolent and loyal)
Ren
• Relationship between "two persons”
• extension of filial piety to all human beings
• each role in the hierarchy of social relations
had clearly defined duties
– reciprocity or mutual responsibility
Li --> Rite, rules, ritual decorum (Binding
force of an enduring stable society)
Ren --> humaneness, benevolence,
humanity
Shu --> Reciprocity, empathy
Do not do unto others what you would
not want others to do unto you.
Yi --> Righteousness
Xiao --> Filial Piety (Respect your elders!)
Confucian Values
• Li: Politeness
– 4 basic rules of human conduct:
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Courtesy
Politeness
Good manners
Respect
• Jen (Ren): Respect
– Golden Rule:
• Do not do to others what you do not want done to you.”
• Te: Moral action
– Strong leaders guide by example
• Wen: Arts of peace:
– Music, poetry, art
• harmony, order, excellence, beauty.
Families become Community
• Good families
make good
community
• Good
communities
good
government
The emperor is the example of
proper behavior --> “big daddy”
Social relationships are based on
“rites” or “rituals.”
Even religious rituals are
important for SOCIAL, not
religious reasons, acc. to Confucius.
The primary sources of
Confucian philosophy
Confucius claimed to derive his teachings from
“the Ancients,” whose wisdom is embodied in
“The Five Classics” (Wu Jing)
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The I Jing (“Book of Changes”)
The Shu Jing (“Book of History”)
The Shih Jing (“Book of Odes” [poetry])
The Li Ji (“Book of Rites”)
The Ch’un-ch’iu (“Spring & Autumn Annals”)
Confucianism - Texts
• The “Five Classics” (of the past):
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I-Ching
The Book of History (Shu Ching)
The Book of Poems (Shih Ching)
The Spring and Autumn Annals (Ch’un Ch’iu)
The Book of Rituals (Li Chi)
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Analects (Lun Yu)
Doctrine of the Mean
The Great Learning
The Book of Mencius (Meng-Tzu)
• The “Four Books” (Confucian)
The further expression of Confucian
philosophy
“The Four Books”
(Ssu-chu)
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Analects (Lun-Yu)
The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong)
The Great Learning (Ta-hsueh)
The Book of Meng-Tzu (Mencius, 371-288 BC)
The single most important Confucian
work.
In Chinese, it means “conversation.”
Focus on practicalities of interpersonal
relationships and the relationship of
the role of rulers and ministers to the
conduct of government.
Knowing what he knows and knowing what he
doesn’t know, is characteristics of the person
who knows.
Making a mistake and not correcting it, is
making another mistake.
The superior man blames himself; the
inferior man blames others.
To go too far is as wrong as to fall short.
Belief in God?
• Originally, yes
• Today, no
The Five Virtues
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Honest
Trustworthy
Hardworking
Generous
Loving
Confucius
• Stressed gentlemanly conduct (junzi)
– Developed through moral cultivation rather than
noble birth
“The gentleman feels bad when his capabilities fall
short of the task. He does not feel bad when
people fail to recognize him.”
• Intelligent, talented people will rise in social
status – Gentleman will serve the ruler.
Confucius
• Humanity (ren) – the ultimate virtue
“When you go out, treat everyone as if you were
welcoming a great guest. Employ people as
though you were conducting a great sacrifice.
Do not do unto others what you would not
have them do unto you. Then neither in your
country nor in your family will there be
complaints against you.”
Confucius
• Stressed the power and importance of
studying
“I once spent a whole day without eating and a
whole night without sleeping in order to think.
It was of no use. It is better to study.”
Confucianism
• Confucius believed that with out human
relationships, there would be no self.
• There are Five Constant relationships
in life:
– Parent and Child
– Husband and Wife
– Elder Sibling and Junior Sibling
– Elder Friend and Junior Friend
Five relationships
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father-child
ruler-subject
husband-wife
elder brother-younger brother
friend-friend
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The Five Relationships
Father and son
Ruler and subject
Older and younger brother
Husband and wife
Friend and friend
1. Ruler
Subject
2. Father
Son
3. Husband
Wife
4. Older
Brother
Younger
Brother
5. Older
Friend
Younger
Friend
Confucianism
• People have to warrant the respect and power
that comes with their positions in life.
• Power and respect are not a given, they must be
earned.
• He believed that if everyone followed the five
ideals, even just one person the effect would be
wide spread.
• Through that person’s family, community,
nation, and the world.
Unlike Taoism
As in Buddhism
Status
Age
Gender
Confucian Virtues
Filial Piety (Hsiao) - respect for the five
constant relationships:
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Parent and child
Husband & wife
Older & younger sibling
Older & younger friend
Ruler & subject
• Human-heartedness is developed only within
the context of human relationships
Confucius and Family
• To Confucius, relationships involving the family are the key to
an orderly society.
• One of those relationships-the relationship between father
and son-is very much like that between the ruler and the
ruled.
• Like the ruler, the father must set an example for his son and
look after his family.
• The father takes the credit, or the blame, for his children’s
actions.
• The son, in turn, is expected to honor and obey his father.
• Confucius stressed the idea of filial piety, the duty and respect
that children owe their parents.
• In all but the last relationship (friend & friend), one
person has authority over another.
• In each, said Confucius, the superior person should
set an example for the inferior one.
“If a ruler himself is upright, all will go well without orders.
But if he himself is not upright, even though he gives orders,
they will not be obeyed.”
• According to Confucius, the superior person is also
responsible for the well-being of the inferior person.
Confucius
• Filial Piety – more than just obedience of
children to their parents
“You can be of service to your father and mother
by remonstrating with them tactfully. If you
perceive that they do not wish to follow your
advice, then continue to be reverent toward
them without offending or disobeying them;
work hard and do not murmur against them.”
Confucianism
• China configured the Confucianism religion, so
that it would serve everyone.
• China still holds a great importance for the Five
Constant Relationships.
• With each passing year people listen more and
more to there elders.
The Influence of Confucius
• Confucius created a guide to proper behavior
based on ethical, or moral, principles.
• In his teachings, he placed the family and the
good of society above the interests of the
individual.
• He also stressed loyalty, courtesy, hard work,
and service.
• He placed great emphasis on education. He
said:
“By nature, men are pretty much alike. It is
learning and practice that set them apart.”
Teachings Accepted by Emperor
 During his own lifetime
Confucius’ teachings were not
widely accepted.
 However, within a hundred
years, they were being used
by the emperor to help him
rule, and eventually became a
widely followed religion.
 Confucianism would remain a
powerful force in Chinese
history.
Influence of Confucius
• The importance of education, as well as other
Confucian ideas, helped shape Chinese
government.
• In time, Confucian ideas came to dominate
Chinese society.
• As China expanded across Asia, Confucianism
influenced the cultures of Korea, Japan, and
Vietnam as well.
Confucianism
• Confucius repeatedly calls for Self-examination
• There are many extravagant temples and shrines
for Confucius.
• Confucius focused on the individuals, the people
more than anything else.
Unlike Taoism
As in Buddhism
Main Menu
Unlike Taoism
Ceremonies and Rituals
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Birth
Maturity
Marriage
Death
Ancestor Worship
Offerings
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Food
Wine
Money
Fruit and
vegetables
Home Altar
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Ancestor worship
Photo
Plaque
Offering cups
49 days
Ching Ming Festival
• March 31-April 1
• People sweep graves
• Northern people
Confucianism
• Persecuted in Qin Dynasty
– 221 B.C. - 206 B.C.
• promoted by later rulers
Confucianism
• reinforced by the civil examination system
– “keju”: civil examination
– from 605 to 1905
Neo-Confucianism
• Develops 11th – 16th century by Various
Confucian philosophers
• A metaphysical foundation for Confucian
social ethics
• Two main schools:
– School of Reason (more scientific) – through the
“investigation of things” one can discover the
underlying pattern (li) principle behind all reality
(patterns and principles are manifest only within
the material world)
– School of Mind (more mystical) – microcosmicmacrocosmic parallel between the human mind and
the universe, reflecting an essential unity of all
that is
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Confucianism as a Religion
Deification of Confucius - statues
Confucian Temples – honoring Confucius
Veneration of the ancestors
Rituals within…
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the household
the village
the state
the nation
Duty is the path
to harmony
Only virtue gives
one the right to
rule, not
heredity.
Virtue can be
acquired through
education.
Chinese Thinkers
•Confucianism taught
that all men with a
talent for
government should
take part in
government.
Confucius and the Mandate of Heaven
• Mandate of Heaven- The Chinese believed that
heaven granted a ruler the mandate, or right, to rule.
• The people, in turn, owed the ruler complete loyalty
and obedience.
• Confucius supported the Mandate of Heaven.
• He said that the ruler must provide good government
for his subjects.
• The rulers subjects, in turn, owed the ruler loyalty
and obedience.
Mandate of Heaven
• Confucius shifted China’s focus from heaven to
earth. Though he did not remove heaven from
the picture.
– He saw that his country could not serve it’s people,
so how was it going to serve it’s ancestors.
– He believed that somewhere in the universe there is
a power that is on the side of right.
Ming: Mandate of Heaven
• “Mandate of Heaven”, fate or destiny.
• According to Confucius, Ming is simply the
way things are in the course of things.
• He declared that his principles prevailed were
ming, and if they did not they were also ming.
• Confucius believed that the best thing we can
do is to do what we ought to do under the
circumstances.
Key Chinese Dynasties
A terra cotta officer from the Qin
Dynasty (221-206 BCE)
Emperor Taizong - Tang Dynasty
Xia
Shang
2070-1600 BCE
1600-1046 BCE
470 years
554 years
Zhou
West 1046-771 BCE
East 770-256
275 years
514 years
Tang
618-907 AD
289 years
Song
North 960-1127 AD
South 1127-1279 AD
167 years
152 years
Ming
1368-1644 AD
276 years
Qing
1644-1911 AD
268 years