In reading the about the various Chinese philosophies, I noted similarities with Enlightenment Thinkers. In World History my students studied Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Paine, Machiavelli as well as other French and Greek philosophers. In examining values and beliefs about government, these philosophers apparently studied Chinese philosophy. Ideas about the rule of law, the state of nature, power and authority seem to have origins in Chinese philosophy.
I think it would be a good idea for a lesson to have students compare and contrast Enlightenment Thinkers to Chinese philosophers.
Valerie
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