Question 1: Schools of Thought of the Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou Dynasty was characterized by intense political rivalry that had interesting effects on Chinese society. The most interesting was the positive impact the period had on intellectual growth. “China entered one of its most creative periods...
Question 1: Schools of Thought of the Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou Dynasty was characterized by intense political rivalry that had interesting
effects on Chinese society. The most interesting was the positive impact the period had on
intellectual growth. “China entered one of its most creative periods, when the ideas underlying
Confucianism, Daoist and Legalist traditions were developed” (Ebery and Walthall, p.20). As the
warring states became more and more advanced in warfare, they became reliant on the advice of
wise men from all over the country. Each state sought to have the wisest counsel possible
therefore encouraging diverse schools of thought.
The first school of thought is that has prevailed over the years is Confucianism which is
named after its founder Confucius. Most of the teachings are contained in analects recorded by
his followers. Like many other wise advisers, Confucius travelled through the states looking for a
leader to give counsel to. According to Ebery and Walthall, “To Confucius, the ultimate virtue
was ren a term that has been translated as humanity, perfect goodness, benevolence, human-
heartedness, and nobility” (p.27). Confucius greatly believed in the importance of relationships
and duty within the society with his teachings encouraging all to fulfill their roles with zeal. In
governance, he advised that a leader should use virtue and rituals to govern such that failure
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instills shame. He focused on ethics and emphasized the need for studying text rather than
focusing on the metaphysical. He envisioned an ideal society where the main virtues were ren,
xiao (filial piety), yi (integrity), zhong (loyalty/constancy), li (propriety), xin (honesty), and jing
(reverence) (Ebery and Walthall, p.26). Another important aspect of Confucianism is the focus
on rituals where these rituals are a means of disciplining one’s behavior and honoring tradition.
Confucius’ teachings were different in that they focused on the social interactions and behaviors
in the society and the importance of ritual.
Another important school of thought was Daoism which offered a completely opposite
theory to that of Confucius. The main teachings of Daoism are contained in the Laozi and
Zhuangzi. Daoists believed that in governance, it was more important for the government to stay
out of the private lives of individuals. “In the philosophy of the Laozi, the people would be better
off if they knew less, gave up tools, renounced writing, stopped envying their neighbors, and lost
their desire to travel or wage war” (Ebery and Walthall, p.30). Daoists did not believe in being
assertive; they encouraged silence and yielding as a way of life and governance. Daoists
promoted the free thought and believed that studying books was a waste of time. This school of
thought was attractive to those who opposed Confucianism particularly those who were more
creative and less formal.
The final crucial school of thought that developed Legalist school of thought whose main
proponent was Han Feizi. This school believed in the use of strict laws and guidelines as the only
successful means of governance possible (Ebery and Walthall, p.31). This directly contrasts the
Confucian belief that governance can achieved through virtuous behavior and the Daoist belief
that leaders should be govern through yielding and silence. Legalists believed that there was no
need for affection in relationships as every individual had their own selfish agendas. Strict and
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