Chinese Philosophy Overview
Chinese Philosophy talks about Confucianism, which originated during the Spring and Autumn period from the teachings of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher from 551 to 479 BCE who explains ethics and politics, emphasizing personal and governmental morality, social relationships, justice, traditional values, and sincerity. Further details about Chinese Philosophy are discussed below.:
- Confucianism and Legalism established the first meritocracy, greatly influencing Chinese culture and East Asian societies.
- Taoism replaced Confucianism during the early Han dynasty.
- Legalism declined due to its relationship with authoritarianism but continued to impact philosophy.
- Mohism lost favor to Confucianism during the Han dynasty.
- The Six Dynasties era saw the rise of Xuanxue and Chinese Buddhism.
- Neo-Confucianism emerged during the Song and Ming dynasties.
- Chinese philosophy integrated Western concepts in the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Modern Chinese philosophy includes New Confucianism, influenced by socialism in the market economy.
- Ancient Chinese philosophy still influenced Chinese culture, and after the economic reform, Chinese philosophy experienced a resurgence.
- Some other philosophies also appeared, like Agriculturalism, Mohism, Chinese Naturalism, and the Logicians, but they’re less well-known today. Confucianism still plays a big role in Chinese society, especially in manners and behavior.
Chinese Philosophy: Origin and Philosophers
Chinese philosophy began thousands of years ago during a time of many different ideas when wise people were often leaders and inventors, showing the practical side of wisdom. Classical Chinese philosophers paid more attention to ethics rather than questions of knowledge and logic. They were less interested in connecting thoughts to the outside world and more about how individuals best fit into society.
Major philosophical ideas like Confucianism, Legalism, and Taoism emerged during this ancient time. There were also lesser-known philosophies like Agriculturalism, Mohism, Chinese Naturalism, and the Logicians. Today, Confucianism still plays a big role in how Chinese people act.
Focusing on understanding humanity and human life is very important in Chinese philosophy. This idea is similar to Socrates’ belief in “Know thyself,” written at the Delphi Temple entrance in ancient Greece. In his book “An Essay on Man,” Cassirer says that understanding ourselves is the main goal of philosophy. He believes this idea is a central point for all cultures and times, and Chinese philosophy also follows this belief.
We have mentioned in detail about origin of Chinese philosophy, various philosophers, periods, and much more about it.
Contact Us