Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism

INTRODUCTION During the Warring States era of China, three rival philosophies (Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism) rose to prominence. An ethic based on Confucian principles of moral rectitude, societal harmony, and patrilineal duty. The Daoist ideology stressed internal peace and cautioned its adherents from becoming overly concerned with external matters. Those who subscribe to the legalist philosophy advocate for an authoritarian, unified government and severe punishments. These three ideas had an impact on the early Chinese dynasties, with some of them becoming official state doctrines. CONFUCIANISM, DAOISM, AND LEGALISM ON GOVERNING Confucius's ideas on the proper role of a ruler and the method of administration are described in Government in Confucian Teachings. Every nation needs a junzi (superior man) at the helm, someone who can set an example of the morals he hopes his people will adopt. Confucius says that culture and tradition are more powerful than laws and punishments in shaping people's conduct and values (Sun). Only people who share the ruler's dedication to the material and social well-being of the population will be appointed officials under a good ruler. The government must be economically responsible and aware of the significant hardship taxation imposes on the population. In the last 35 years, the Communist Party has presided over an unprecedented expansion of China's riches via traditional forms of capitalism. However, the Marxist language of the Mao era no longer applies (Sun). They hunted high and low for a new political philosophy to support their rule. And for many of the same reasons the ancient rulers did, they returned to Confucius. Here we have a political culture that is both Chinese and capable of supporting an authoritarian government. It may also protect against the spread of Western values like democracy and human rights that are very unpopular in the region. They argue that China has its own unique political culture based on its own unique political and intellectual past, and they are doing it by rediscovering Confucius. Therefore, China should not follow the path toward democracy favored by Western proponents. Based on its intellectual history, it may build a political future. Compared to Confucianism and Legalism, Daoism has a reputation for being difficult to pin down and define; it has been called nameless and formless while being credited as a source of inspiration (Tan). This seeming inconsistency makes sense when one considers that Daoism is an anti-activist ideology that advocates for a life of deliberate ignorance, in which one seeks no knowledge and avoids participation in politics or the public realm. When it came to establishing peace and order in society, the Daoists were skeptical of the role of governments. On the other hand, they looked at how people's actions could be altered to better align with the Dao. According to Daoism, humans are the only creatures that choose to go against the Dao, which is supposed to symbolize the natural order of the cosmos. Rather than trying to better themselves via words and actions, Daoists practiced Wu Wei, or inactivity, surrendering to what came to them automatically (Tan). The Dao is not an end to be pursued but a condition to be attained by not seeking it. Daoists advocated a life of quiet simplicity where one does not meddle in politics or seek prominence. Silence is prized more highly than speech, and passivity and stoicism are regarded more highly than anger and protest. The Legalists held that people are naturally self-centered and short-sighted and that political institutions should be created to accommodate this fact. Therefore, social peace can only be guaranteed by strict state control and total obedience to authority, not by the people's appreciation of the goodness of their ruler. The Legalists pushed for a law-based government that strictly defined wrongdoing and its associated penalties and rewards. They said all efforts must be made to bolster the state's authority and its leader (Hsien-chao et al.). The brutality with which the autocratic Qin dynasty enforced this policy ultimately contributed to the downfall of the kingdom and the eventual eclipse of legalist ideology in China. The core idea was that people are naturally bad or will inevitably act in an unlawful or self-centered manner. Consequently, conflict and societal instability are inevitable if people are permitted to act according to their instincts (Hsien-chao et al.). The ancient sage-kings came up with the concept of morality to address this issue. Since morality is absent from the natural world, the only means of instilling it in people is through habit and severe punishment. SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE THREE PHILOSOPHIES The three major Chinese philosophies had diverse pedagogical approaches but had the same goal: to end China's internal wars. According to Confucianism, everyone was obligated to observe certain standards (D’Ambrosio). Confucius thought that to maintain a well-ordered society, younger people needed to show respect for their elders and parents. The foundation of a healthy society and a functioning government should be a solid family unit. Education is seen as crucial to the individual and the community as a whole. Taoism (also known as Daoism) emphasizes engaging with reality in its present form (Hu et al.). Daoism is a philosophy that seeks to explain how the universe truly works rather than relying on our preconceived notions. According to Legalism, which advocated for sanctions to preserve social order, "free thinkers" and their ideas shouldn't be propagated and should be under government control. Similarly, they thought a strong central government was necessary for a well-functioning society. There are many similarities and differences between the three philosophies regarding how people should be governed. Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism all believe in the form of government called "the Mandate of Heaven" (D’Ambrosio). It means that the government should be able to enforce laws and policies that are in the best interests of the people as a whole. All three philosophies also believe that people should be able to follow their hearts and instincts without interference from the government. One of the main differences between these philosophies is their opinion on how society should be structured. Legalism believes society should be based on a hierarchy where the king or ruler is at the top. Daoism believes in a society where everyone is equal and has no hierarchy (D’Ambrosio). Confucianism believes in a society with a strong sense of community where people work together to support each other. All three philosophies also have ideas about how people should behave. Legalism believes that people should be law-abiding and obey the rules set by the government. Daoism believes in letting nature take its course and trusting that everything will work out. Confucianism believes that people should behave morally and respect other people. Both Confucianism and Daoism advocate a benevolent government that cares for its people, but Legalism believes that a strong government is necessary to maintain order. Legalists also believe that the law should be enforced without consideration of the individual's feelings or conscience (Hsien-chao et al.). While Confucianism and Daoism emphasize personal morality, Legalism stresses the importance of upholding social norms and maintaining a stable society. Finally, while both philosophies espouse education's importance, Legalism emphasizes practical skills such as literacy and mathematics. CONCLUSION One of the major tenets of Confucianism is the idea that proper governance can only preserve social order. Conversely, adherents of Daoism believe that individuals should be free to act according to their best interests and intuition. Meanwhile, those who adhere to Legalism think that the best method to get people to act in a specific manner is to impose those norms via formal legal procedures. All three ideologies, despite their diversity, agree on certain basic principles for governing the populace. All three theories agree that citizens should have the authority to make decisions for themselves and that the state should only intervene when required. According to all three theories, governments should be set up to facilitate swift and wise decision-making. Finally, all three philosophies agree that there has to be a clear hierarchy in society between rulers, officials, and subjects.