中国文化(英语版)

An Outline of Four Major Schools of Thoughts Introduction

1.Confucianism:

1.1Confucius, the founder

Confucius (traditionally 28 September 551 BC --- 479 BC) lived between 551 and 479 during the late years of the Spring and Autumn Period of China. He was a great thinker, educator and statesman as well as one of the most learnt people at that time. So he was horned as “the sage of sages” and the teacher of all ages.

1.2Ren

Mencius claimed that human nature was good meaning humans have inborn tendencies toward virtue. Without being taught, people have at least momentary feelings of compassion for the sufferings of others.

1.3Yi

If we cultivate this feeling of compassion, it will develop into the virtue of benevolence. If we cultivate our sense of shame, it will develop to the virtue of righteousness.

1.4 Li

Moral ways of conduct refers to any of the secular social functions of daily life, akin to the Western term for culture. Shaping the rituals in a way that leads to a content and healthy society, and to content and healthy people, is one purpose of Confucian philosophy.

1.5 Comment

Confucianism has been regarded as an ethic-political system in ancient China Confucianism's great contribution to the Chinese nation is its shaping and moulding of the Chinese character and national soul and its founding of the complete system of knowledge. It also has left us a rich literary heritage known as the Four Books and Five Classics.

2.Mohism

2.1Mozi, the founder

Mo Zi (470 BC --- 391 BC), original name Mo Di (墨翟), was a Chinese philosopher, thinker, educator, scientist, and militarist. He was born a few years after Confucius' death and died a few tears before Mencius' birth.

2.2Ten Proposals

Inclusive Care 兼爱Rejecting Aggression 非攻

Elevating the Worthy 尚同Conforming Upward 尚贤

Rejecting Fatalism 非命Rejecting Music 非乐

Thrift in Utilization 节用Thrift in Funerals 节葬

Heaven's Intention 天志Existence of Ghosts 名鬼

2.3Comment

Although popular faith in Mohism had declined by the end of Qin Dynasty, its views are said to be strongly echoed in Legalist thought.

3.Daoism

3.1 Laozi, the founder

Li Er was a mystic philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching(often simply referred to as Laozi). His association with the Tao Te Ching has led him to be traditionally considered the founder of Taoism (pronounced as "Daoism"). He is also revered as a deity in most religious forms of the Taoist religion, which often refers to Laozi as Taishang Laojun, or "One of the Three Pure Ones". He is considered as the father of Chinese philosophy. In the history of Chinese philosophy no one can be compared with Lao Zi who so extensively and thoroughly studied the laws of motion in the world.

3.2 Dao

It is the mechanism of everything that exists, the natural, eternal, spontaneous, indescribable way things began and pursued their course.

3.3 De

Power of morality or power for good. It is the power of naturalness, or power, of simplicity, even of weakness. This is possibly the most important point in the Daoist

philosophy, and has immense influence on the development of Daoist religion.

3.4Major teachings

Taoists teach that Tao is the force that existed before all other things. Tao literally means "the way". Taoists teach that a person should leave things alone and let nature take its course through wu wei or "not doing". In addition a person should not try an manipulate others' thoughts but instead they should be allowed to find their own way based on their faith in the Tao. Also Taoists are encouraged to take care of their physical health and longevity so that they can be in harmony with Tao.

4. Legalism

4.1 Han Fei Zi, the founder

Han Fei (280 BC --- 233 BC) is was a Chinese philosopher, the most outstanding representative of the Legalist school. He was a prince of the royal family of Han during the Warring and States Period(475---221 B.C.).He and Li Si studied with Xun Kuang.In this context, his works have been interpreted by some scholars as being directed to his cousin, the King of Han.

4.2 Fa

The rule of law stands in contrast to the idea that the leader is above the law. The law code must be clearly written and made public. All people under the ruler were equal before the law.

4.3 Shu

It means special tactics and “secrets” are to be employed by the ruler to make sure others do not take over control of the state. Especially important is that no one can fathom the ruler’s motivations, and so no one can know which behavior might help them getting ahead except following the laws.

4.4 Shi

It literally means "legitimacy, power or charisma". It is the position of the ruler, not the ruler himself or herself, that holds the power. Therefore, analysis of the trends, the context, and the facts are essential for a real ruler.

4.5 Comment

Legalism greatly influenced the philosophical basis for the imperial form of government. During the Han Dynasty, the most practical elements of Confucianism and Legalism were taken to form a sort of synthesis, marking the creation of a new form of government that would remain largely intact until the late 19th century.