Ancient China
4.4 The Unification of China
Chaos of Warring States leads to
New Philosophies
Scholars try to restore Social
order, Harmony, & Respect for
authority
3 Philosophical Systems
Confucianism
Daoism
(Taoism)
Legalism
Yin & Yang
Opposite rhythms of the universe
Yin: Earth, Feminine, Passive, Tiger
Yang: Sky, Masculine, Active, Dragon
Confucius (551 – 479 BC)
China’s greatest scholar
Social harmony & good
Govt. depend on the duties
of 5 relationships
– ruler & subject
– father & son
– husband & wife
– older brother & younger
– friend & friend
Confucianism
Dominant philosophy of China
– was supported by some Emperors
Values
–Social Order through Filial Piety
–Education is important to society
–Everyone has Civic Responsibility
–Govt. jobs (civil service) should be
based on Merit
Confucian Civil Service
Focus of Education = train Civil
Servants = govt. workers
A trained civil service = Bureaucracy
Candidates were required to pass a
test on Confucian ethics
Anyone could take it, but only rich
could afford the education needed.
Daoism
Founded by Laozi (6th Century BC)
The Dao = “The Way” = universal
force that guides nature
Harmony comes from Nature = study
nature to become one with the Dao =
achieve internal harmony.
Daoist Practices
Internal Harmony thru…
–Tai Qi
–Traditional Chinese
Medicine
–Astrology
Legalism
Founded by Li Si
Order thru strong govt. that
provides rich rewards & harsh
punishments.
Govt. controls thoughts & actions
The Qin Dynasty 221-202 BC
Founded by Qin Shi
Huangdi
United China under
an Autocratic
Emperor.
Used Legalism to
crush all political &
intellectual threats.