Analysis of Schools of Thought in China

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Legalism
Confucianism
Daoism
Conclusion

Introduction

During the Axial Age, China experienced difficult times of discord, hunger, and death. In response to suffering, people began looking for a new life purpose, meaning, and way to build a new society. These efforts led to the creation of three influential schools of thought – Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. Despite the significant differences between schools, they became influential in Chinese society and introduced changes.

Legalism

Legalism was based on the views of the School of Law and proposed the idea that people are essentially evil creatures. Based on a nature of people, Legalism offered authoritarian governance through laws, punishments, and a strong leader who could restore order. The direction provided more answers and solutions to the country’s problems than other schools, gaining a significant influence. The impact of Legalism united the country, contributed to the power of the Qin dynasty, and supported the reign of the first emperor. Although the wars ceased, the school had negative consequences – totalitarianism, which established robust control over the population and severe penalties for misconduct. Nevertheless, even after the emperor’s death, China remained united, and Legalism was the basis for the rule of other dynasties, establishing political and social order. Moreover, the rulers, guided by the teachings, were able to expand China’s influence and establish trade relations with other peoples, changing the country’s economic life.

Confucianism

This school originates from the teachings of Confucius, whose life is shrouded in myths. The school is based on the assumption that people occupying a specific place in the social hierarchy should strive in the best way to fulfill their role. Confucianism also emphasizes the importance of an attentive and respectful attitude towards people if a person expects much the same. Confucianism also established rules regarding the relationships of different types, in which mainly the superior should care about the inferior; for example, the rulers should treat their subjects well. These views changed the political life of China when the Han dynasty came to power and united the features of Legalism and Confucianism. Economically, the direction promoted farming and education but vilified merchants treating them as lower class. Confucianism had the most significant influence on social life, guiding the population until the 20th century, notably establishing a superior-inferior relationship. The negative effect, in this case, was manifested in the establishment of a patriarchal society.

Daoism

This direction emphasizes the existence of Dao force, or “The Way” in the universe, which is everything. Daoism also calls on people to return to nature and abandon artificial civilization. However, the direction had a disadvantage – it did not offer an answer to China’s adversity, and its application mainly focused on attempts to manage the Dao to improve life. However, guided by Dao, people changed their social life – they were inclined to stay in the flow, do their job, and not do foolish things. The economic influence was not so significant in the considered period, but Taoism showed its impact during the Yellow Turban Rebellion in political life.

Conclusion

Thus, Legalism, Confucianism, and Taoism became influential schools of thought in China during the Axial Age. Although they are based on contrasting teachings, each direction was embedded in the country’s political, economic, and social life. Schools arose in response to chaos, destruction, and wars in China. Still, only Legalism gave solutions to the problem, becoming a guide for the ruling dynasties and changing the country’s policy.

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Analysis of Schools of Thought in China

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