China’s Age of Philosophy

China’s age of philosophy started during the Warring States time and revolved around three major philosophical schools or ideas that included Confucianism, legalism and Daoism though Buddhism was later incorporated. Other philosophical ideas that became obsolete later include mohism, Chinese naturalism and agriculturalism (Denecke, 2011) . The period, known as “Hundred Schools of Thought” advanced Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism. Confucianism is a philosophical school of thought that developed due to the teachings of Confucius. The teachings were collected and written by his followers upon his death. The ideology reached its peak and influence during the Tang and Song Dynasties where it was called Neo-Confucianism. Its major concepts include humanity, rectification of names, loyalty, filial piety and ritual. Confucianism thought people the golden rule with two opposing ideas of Yin and Yang that controlled change. Confucianism emphasized the need for small units in communities for society’s success. Confucius was a strong believer in education to enhance knowledge on ethics, social conduct and respect to other people. 

Daoism as a philosophy that later on became a religion was advanced by Tao Te Ching (Denecke, 2011) . Daoism implies a certain path or way that one must follow. Daoism advocated for nonaction, having soft strength and relativism. Under this philosophy, one is encouraged to have harmony, reduce potential harmful effects to nature or in human matters. Advanced by Hen Fei and Sima Tan, legalism was founded on three grounds; Fa which referred to law or principle, Shu that implied method, art, or tactic and Shi that means legitimacy or charisma. Under the legalism philosophy, the ruler had authority and power concerning reward and punishment as implemented through law (Denecke, 2011) . Therefore Shang Yang and Han Fei advocated for strict compliance or adherence to the law irrespective of the situation or the individual. 

Reference 

Denecke, W. (2011). The Dynamics of Masters Literature: Early Chinese Thought from 

Confucius to Han Feizi . Harvard University Press. p. 38.