Learning About Three Ways of Thought: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism
Learning About Three Ways
of Thought: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism
Assignment to hand in: Background Information on Three Ways of Thought (Comprehension Questions) & Graphic Organizer
Step 1: Introduction - Look at the picture below and read the following text:
Zhou dynasty soldiers destroying peasants' crops
Around 1100 B.C.E., a group of people called the Zhou (pronounced JOE), living in northwest China, overthrew the Shang dynasty. The Zhou were tired of paying tribute to the Shang rulers, and they justified their actions by claiming they had been given the "Mandate of Heaven," or divine right, to rule China. The Zhou dynasty lasted for over 800 years, until 256 B.C.E. - longer than any other dynasty in Chinese history. However, the true rulers of China during much of this period were feudal lords. These were the leaders of the strongest states within the Zhou kingdom, including Lu, Chu, and Qin (pronounced CHIN). Originally, the feudal lords were members of the imperial family and trusted military leaders who had been appointed by the Zhou king. Over time, however, the allegiance of the feudal lords to the Zhou kings grew weaker. More and more, the lords engaged in bitter disputes for wealth and territory among themselves and with neighboring peoples outside the Zhou kingdom. As a result, the feudal lords became powerful regional leaders and the Zhou kings became little more than figureheads.
During this time of political instability, Chinese rulers searched for systems that would allow them to expand their political power. Ambitious rulers gathered large groups of advisors, scholars, and military strategists to advise them. As various masters came into favor, book recording their teaching were compiled and circulated. This development fostered the appearance of many schools of thought. So many teachers wrote and debated ideas about political rule during the period that the Chinese later named it the "Hundred Schools of Thought." Among the most important schools of thought, or philosophies, of this period were Confucianism, Daoism (also Taoism), and Legalism.
Step 2: Download and print the following student handout: Background Information on the Three Ways of Thought
Step 3: Answer ALL of the comprehension questions for each philosophy on this Graphic Organizer.
Supplemental Videos:
China: From Past to Present - Traditional Religions & Beliefs (Confucianism,
Taoism, Buddhism, & more by United Learning)
Supplemental Websites:
Lun Yu (Analects of
Confucius) - The sayings of Confucius that define his philosophy.
Tao Te
Ching - Written by Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism.
Supplemental Reading:
The Meeting of Lao Tzu & Confucius