The 3 Philosophies of Ancient China

Who was Confucius?

• He was a man who lived in China from 551 to 479 BCE. Confucianism is a system of beliefs based on his teachings

• He was a sage, or wise person, who many scholars believe was born in the sixth century BCE. He is credited with developing Daoism.

• He was a man who lived during the Zhou Dynasty around 280-233 B.C.E. He is the founder fo Legalism.

• He was the last king of the Zhou dynasty. He created Confucianism to end the Era of Warring States.

What is "li" according to Confucius and why is it important?

• Li are strict laws. Confucius believed that strict laws were needed to restore order to society.

• Li is a universal force connected to nature that creates order for all things. Confucius believed everyone needed to be one with Li.

• Li is proper behavior. Confucius believed that if everyone followed li, then society would be ordered and peaceful.

• Li is a supreme god. Confucius believed that if everyone followed the laws created by Li then order would be restored.

Confucius' major goal in life was what?

• To become Emperor
• To influence government
• To be a teacher
• To be the richest man in China

The devotion of children to their parents

• philosophy

• Mandate of Heaven

• ancestor veneration

• filial piety

Which of these would Confucius have valued most highly?

• riches

• respect

• freedom

• creativity

According to Confucius, what were the responsibilities of each individual in the five basic relationships?

• Both the superior and inferior person should do what they natural desire as long as they are one with the Dao.

• The superior person should not encourage the inferior person to do anything they do not naturally desire to do and the inferior person should try not to draw attention to themselves.

• The superior person should make strict laws with harsh punishments and the inferior person should obey the laws.

• The superior person in each relationship should be respected and obeyed and in turn should be kind and set a good example for the other person.

The book written by the students of Confucius, containing the philosophy of Confucius

• Dao de Jing
• Upanishads 
• Arthasastra
• The Analects

Who was Laozi?

• He was a man who lived in China from 551 to 479 BCE. Confucianism is a system of beliefs based on his teachings

• He was a sage, or wise person, who many scholars believe was born in the sixth century BCE. He is credited with developing Daoism.

• He was a man who lived during the Zhou Dynasty around 280-233 B.C.E. He is the founder fo Legalism.

• He was the last king of the Zhou dynasty. He created Daoism to end the Era of Warring States.

founder of Daoism

• Confucius
• Laozi
• Wen Wang
• Wu Ding

philosophy that focuses on nature and a natural existence

• Daoism

• Confucianism