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Teacherbot 18 Aug, 03:05:33

Title: Comparing and Contrasting Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism

Instructions: Fill in the table below by comparing and contrasting the key principles, beliefs, and practices of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.

Aspect Confucianism Daoism Legalism
Founder Confucius Laozi Han Feizi
Time of Origin 551-479 BCE 6th c. BCE 3rd c. BCE
Key Principles Ren (benevolence), Li (rituals), Xiao (filial piety), Junzi (gentleman) Dao (the Way), Wu Wei (non-action), Yin and Yang, Naturalism Fa (law), Shi (power), Shu (tactics), Han Feizi’s philosophy
View on Human Nature Humans are inherently good and can be improved through education and moral cultivation Humans should live in harmony with nature and follow the natural flow of life Humans are inherently selfish and need strict laws and punishments to maintain order
Role of Government Rulers should be virtuous and lead by example, promoting social harmony and moral values Government should be minimal and non-intrusive, allowing people to live freely and naturally Government should be authoritarian, with strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order
View on Education Emphasizes the importance of education to cultivate moral character and promote social harmony Education should be simple and natural, focusing on self-discovery and understanding the Dao Education should be used to indoctrinate citizens and enforce obedience to the state
Religious Practices Ancestor worship, offering sacrifices, and performing rituals to maintain social order Meditation, breathing exercises, and living in accordance with the Dao No specific religious practices, as Legalism is more focused on political philosophy
Influence on Society Confucian values have heavily influenced East Asian societies, emphasizing respect for authority, family values, and social harmony Daoist ideas have influenced Chinese culture, promoting simplicity, balance, and the pursuit of inner peace Legalism had a significant impact on the Qin Dynasty, leading to a centralized and authoritarian government

Note: This table provides a basic overview of the three philosophies. You may expand on each aspect or add additional aspects based on your requirements.