Three Chinese Philosophies: Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism

Isn't it odd how great leaps in intellectual thought are often conceived as a result of some unholy union between social and civil unrest? Could this possibly be attributed to a movement toward philosophical reflection caused by the uncertainty that such instability creates? Three of the great Eastern schools of thought were borne during the time when the Chou Dynasty in China was being torn asunder due to feudal rivalry. Perhaps the most impressive period of growth in Chinese history-at least up that time-was disturbed during this warfare. Perhaps that is what spurred the drive toward restoring a sense of balance and order to society.

The first, and doublessly most prominent, of these schools of philosophy was Confucianism. Concerning itself mostly with ethics and morality as a path toward establishing order, Confucianism was founded by K'ung Fu Tzu. Confucianism is a philosophy that seeks out what is best for society rather than what is best for the individual. It is a philosophy that views respecting authority and equitable standards of moral behavior as foundations for order in a society. The most efficient method of achieving this utilitarian objective is by establishing a formal social hierarchy whereby each person has, knows, and accepts his place within the order.