Difference Between Daoism And Confucianism

As turmoil spread across China people sought to find peace and order. As 500 B.C. and 200 B.C. passed three philosophers tried to seek ways to spread peace. Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism were the philosophers solutions. Villages fell as armies sent to destroy neighboring enemies. As the Period of the Warring States commenced thousands of people died in battles they never wanted to fight. As the clashed went on, Confucius, Laozi, and Hanfeizi created three major theories developed.

Religious and political ideas have served as the fundamental foundation to many early civilizations and settlements and Ancient China is no exception. The texts of the Ta Hsüeh and the Chung Yung clearly details some ideas and concepts of early Confucianism in Ancient China. These early Confucian ideas and concepts from the two texts, in many ways reflect the political, intellectual, and social context of ancient China. Although Confucianism is no long as prominent as it was during the times of ancient China, it is important to understand these concepts and how later Chinese Dynasty adopted it. Confucianism has developed and influenced modern China and also other East Asian cultures, customs, and heritages.

Confucianism and Daoism are two influential schools of thoughts that have existed in ancient China around the 6th century BCE. The former, led by the politician and philosopher Confucius, proposed that humans live in society according to a set of predefined rules and that they transform society through political action. Whereas the latter, led by the philosopher Lao-Tzu, promoted the idea of inaction; people should go with the flow instead of taking action to control their lives and dominate their surroundings. Although, at first glance Daoism and Confucianism seem to be two opposing philosophies, a more in depth analysis of two of their key ideas –filial piety and education—reveals that they do share some similarities.

Although Daoism believes in modesty, and Confucianism emphasizes honesty, ruling a kingdom effectively during a time of turmoil requires sovereignty. Legalism is a system of pure power that demands restraint and discipline with an emphasis on strict laws. Daoism maintains the balance of nature and embrace harmony by utilizing “The Dao.” Confucianism highlights virtues and morality wanting people to become The Superior Man. For an East Asian Kingdom plagued by famine, war, and civil unrest, Legalism would bring order to the Kingdom by a centralized and powerful government, strict laws that govern the people, and once peace ensues, a secure economy.

Ever since the Han Dynasty, Confucianism has been a cornerstone in Chinese culture. Established by the scholar Confucius, this belief system focused on achieving a "…perfect society in which all people devoted themselves to fulfilling their roles… (and) all wholeheartedly did what was expected of them." (PMEA, 32) This included all individuals knowing and enacting their responsibilities in order to create a world of harmony. During the Song, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, Confucian principles, were intertwined throughout the Chinese government, culture and everyday lives of subjects. Advancements made during this timeframe allowed Confucianism to develop and grow with the Chinese population, making this belief system a mainstay in Chinese society.

Confucianism teaches that each person should accept his or her role in society. According to document number five, Confucianism became the basis of order and respect in China. It was central in governing China. The teachings of Confucius were even studied for civil service exams. Essentially, Confucius believed that younger people should show respect and obey anyone who was older, so respect your

during the Zhou Dynasty, China was experiencing a great deal of political turmoil. A major part of this era was called the Period of the Warring States. It was a time when there were numerous wars that occurred due to the conflict that existed between seven states. (Watkins, 2013) These warring states were the Han, Wu, Zhao, Chu, Qi, Yan and Jin. According to Jerry H. Bentley and Herbert F. Ziegler of the book Traditions and Encounters, “This period forced some people to reflect on the nature of society, and the roles of humans beings within society.” The authors continued saying that it forced others to “identify principles that would restore political and social order.” (Bentley & Ziegler, 2011) The principles of Confucianism were established and followed in order to help the citizens of China to live and govern their communities more efficiently. Through Confucianism, Confucius helped legitimize China’s rule and bring about order in the mist of turmoil. The effects of Confucius’ principles are still seen and felt today in many aspects of modern day Chinese society. Veritably, there were points throughout Chinese history where Confucianism affected almost every aspect of life in China. Confucius has impacted the development of Chinese thought and culture in various ways from education to politics, to familial relationships.

The most important things about past civilizations and their movements includes their major advances in government, military, religion, arts, and intellect. Throughout the times of each civilization, or movement, they have progressed greatly up to what we have today. For instance, Rome, Medieval Europe, China, and the Renaissance.

Firstly, Confucianism prized the rule of men over the rule of law; that is to promote harmony in the people over the interest of a ruler. If a ruler has appropriate personal conduct the government will be effective without needing to issue order. However, the ruler do not have the correct conducts, his orders will not be obeyed.

Confucianism is regarded as one of the primary religions that have profoundly influenced Chinese beliefs and ideologies. While Kongzi, or Confucius, is the founder of Confucianism, he is not the only philosopher who has contributed to such a significant impact on China. Similarly, the Analects of Confucius is not the single text that represents Confucianism. In fact, during different time periods throughout the history, there are a number of eminent representatives of Confucian thoughts, such as Mengzi and Xunzi. Because Confucianism aims at eliminating chaos and maintaining order in a harmonious society , they all agree that the guidance and education of virtuous Confucian pioneers are of extreme importance to achieve this

Confucianism and Daoism were two great Philosophical who had contrasting views while seeking the truth, in different ways. Confucianism ethic was seeking truth through a connection to society and believe that logic and reason could resolve any problems or supposition, Confucians believe if people follow the Chines philosophy it would help to unite society. On the other hand, Daoism seeks true through a more Mystical view he saw nature as living a good balance life, he seeks to teach and impart wisdom to mankind if mankind would observe. Because of the different outlooks it has cause a withdrawal from public life

In order to keep the peace and successfully run the government, you must adapt Legalism. With this principle, crime will no longer be a problem, as those who break the law will be severely punished in public to warn others not to commit crimes. Confucianism and Daoism both don’t have an actual secure way of stopping crime. Those principles rely on respect and honor. Then what if the man has no family, so he wouldn’t be worried about honor or respect because he has no family name. If invaders were to begin attacking, we would have a strong military to protect. With strict laws and punishment, not many people will have good jobs. Farmers who enlist in the army and come back victorious will be rewarded and honored. With a disciplined army, we

Bowen states that, “Religion is anything that involves a stated belief in spirits or Gods” (3). To add to that, I believe that anything can be a religion, as long there are people to follow it and truly believe it its ideals. Thus, I do believe Confucianism can be a religion.

History has shown us, that Daoism and Confucianism have many things in common as well as many differences, let me start with what is Daoism and Confucianism. Daoism is also known as Taoism, is a religious tradition originated from China in the 550 B.C.E, it was founded by Lao Tzu, a great philosopher and the author of the “Dao De Jing” .The “Dao De Jing” or “Tao Te Ching” is a Chinese text that contains 81 chapters explaining the “ways” of Chinese life, it is often used by the monks or persons that practice the Daoism. Daoism’s main focus is on nature, and not on the social world. Compassion, moderation and humility are also focuses

Confucianism has a lot of rules to follow by. Daoism retreats from rules. Daoism believes life should be simple and Confucianism believes people should have assigned roles in society. Confucianism thinks you should behave and follow the value systems. Daoism thinks you build your own life like unmolded clay.