China's Four Schools of Thought (Groups)

[Anonymous]

I was reminded by our "daoist" topic, connecting to the book by Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh, "49 weeks on the NYTimes best seller list and and used as required reading in some college courses," according to Wikipedia. I've not read it, but I was always interested in it. . . seeing it in the "Eastern Religion" sections of bookstores. The book's author uses Pooh and his famous characters to illustrate the Daoist philosophy. "(The author) regards Pooh's simpleminded nature, unsophisticated worldview and instinctive problem-solving methods as conveniently representative of the Taoist philosophical foundation."

"The book starts with a description of the vinegar tasters, which is an actual painting portraying the three great eastern thinkers, Confucius, the Buddha, and Laozi over a vat of vinegar. Each tasting the vinegar of "life," Confucius finds it sour, the Buddha finds it bitter, but Laozi, the traditional founder of Taoism, finds it satisfying. Then the story unfolds backing up this analogy." says the Wikipedia entry.

I look forward to delving into our content and exploring our "character's" interpretations of the Dao.
edited by egoebel on 2/22/2012

[Anonymous]

Confucians created various rituals of Li that demand certain behaviors to fulfill the expected performance. Li ranges from a bow to an elder, taking off shoes before entering the house, being silent and respectful to elders, bringing a gift to the host, and writing thank-you notes to a helper. The original purpose of Li is to help the individual to express proper ways of building and maintaining caring relationships. Our initial reactions to Confucian rituals maybe that they are antiquated and restrictive and have no place in modern society. I began to think of all the rituals we have in our society, like for example shaking hands, wedding rings, singing happy birthday, 4th of July fireworks and Christmas presents just to name a few. Most of us participate and approve of some of these popular rituals. I think instead of dismissing the idea of rituals we should think of rituals not necessarily as regimented or arbitrary practices, but rather the routines that we often engage in, knowingly or unknowingly, during the course of our lives. We should value rituals for what they are, which is a way to stay connected to society at large and embrace our commonality. Confucius understood that the value of rituals lies in their ability to facilitate personal relationships if done with the proper sincerity; otherwise the ritual itself becomes meaningless. Confucius taught that if one did not possess a sense of the well being and interests of others then ceremonial manners signified nothing.

[Anonymous]

I am creating a comparison matrix to identify key characteristics of all 4 schools of thought.
Hopefully this will help me remember the key fundamentals.

Any other input, Legalists???

[Anonymous]

While reading about these schools of thought, I found myself drawing parallels between legalism and our own way of thinking here in the US. Just as China’s first Imperialist governments had a legalistic core covered with a Confucius coat, we tend
to have a self-righteous “Manifest Destiny” type attitude of entitlement regarding our right or even “duty” to spread Democracy. Yet our colonialism is still wrapped in a coat of Christianity and, to coin a legalistic phrase, some kind of a “Mystery of Authority”.

[Anonymous]

We study the Qin Dynasty in my 7th grade world history class, so learning more about how important legalism was to this dynasty and the ones that followed has been useful. I am fascinated by the preoccupation legalism has with farming. I think it helps to explain why coming into the 20th century, Chinese society was so peasant-oriented. Even today, it is my understanding that the majority of Chinese people are poor farmers from the countryside.

It is fascinating to read this stuff and to learn that up until about 60-100 years ago, China was governed largely by these philosophies. For instance, the Chinese historically had disdain for the merchant class (legalism), yet modernizing forced them to rethink this point of view. I am guessing that today, Chinese businessmen and businesswomen are greatly admired.

[Anonymous]

Thinking about Legalist views and philosophies, I can’t help but think about other philosophies, isms, and even people that have held similar, heavy-handed viewpoints in terms of how the state should be run and how the government should govern its citizens. Legalist ideas have endured throughout history. Chapter 17 in Machiavelli’s The Prince is dedicated to the idea of whether it is better for a leader to be feared or loved. The very question is so important for whatever direction a leader takes; it will have far reaching effects on the state and the citizens of that state. Thinking about how to imbue what we are learning in our seminar into my curriculum, I plan to use some Legalist viewpoints and compare them with the ideas presented in The Prince. Perhaps some readings or quotes by Han Fei? I think there are enough parallels (and many differences) to use Legalist philosophy when covering the early standards of the 10th grade Modern World History standards looking at different forms of government.

[Anonymous]

We just finished a unit in my class reading Fahrenheit 451 where I pushed the students to really challenge their way of looking at the world. While it broke down a lot of boundaries for them, what I wish I would have taken time to do is discuss the ways we can then add boundaries as well. What boundaries are going to be best for a society working together? In terms of 451 you have one character breaking free from the society, but what about a place that desires to stay together for thousands of years? That follow-up questions would be a great one to explore after reading the book particularly if it would be a joint project between history and English classes.

[Anonymous]

Later this month I plan to read Walden and Siddhartha with my 12the grade students. Ever since we participated in the "Four Schools of Thought" discussion I have sought a way to add it to a unit and I believe I've found one. I enjoy ending the year with some sort of reflective project for my senior classes in order for them to thoughtfully consider the next steps of their lives. A part of that step is looking at the ways that they can be an productive addition to society. By looking at how our philosophies control/influence how we chose to govern ourselves, it will help reflect upon their future life choices.

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Confucianism:

1. Covarrubias, Miguel
2. Schneider, Miriam
3. Aysola, Kamesh
4. Cortez, Mauricio

Mohism:
1. Requa, Susan
2. Recalde, Vincent
3. De Leon, Benjamin
4. Traylor, Steven

Daoism:
1. Jones, Ashli
2. Goebel, Erica
3. Sandoval, Jillian

Legalism:
1. Wallace, Patricia Lynn
2. Fowler, Erin
3. Prinn, Ian

[Anonymous]

I realize that I am commenting on my own comment; however, I wanted to share the news that I just conducted the Philosophical Debate with my students as an activity in my Siddhartha Unit. My AP students were excellent. They researched, broke down complex articles and philosophies and played the role of their respective philosophies. The debate was one way for them to understand a new kind of philosophy and religion that they may not have been formally introduced to. It will assist them in writing their own personal story that will explore their diverse lives and beliefs.

Hopefully, in a couple of weeks my students and I will enjoy an afternoon at the Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, which, I believe, is the largest Buddhist Temple on the West Coast. The temple provides guided tours at no cost but they do ask for a small donation.

http://www.hsilai.org/

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