Carter - Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism in China

Throughout the long history of China, it has never truly been unified by a single religion or philosophy, as most other regions of the world have. Instead, various philosophies and schools of thought have vied for dominance over the social and political structure of China. The most influential of these have been the philosophies of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. 

Confucianism, arising from the revered scholar Confucius in the sixth century B.C.E., teaches that there is an inherent order within both the universe and human society, comprised of five basic types of relationships that govern all aspects of life. These basic relationships, such as the relationship between parent and child, could apply to every aspect of society, and thus establish proper guidelines for a stable and moral society. 

Daoism, on the other hand, rejects the Confucian belief that society is governed solely by the relationships between humans, believing that the Confucian view is greatly oversimplified. Instead, they argue, human society is merely a reflection of nature and its myriad of relationships. By following the Dao, or the Way, one lead a simple, yet pure and moral life, based off the interactions of the natural world around them. 

Finally, Legalism places far less faith in the capability of humanity to be inherently moral. Thus, it attempts to establish a foundation for a well-functioning society by ordering everything with a strict system of laws. These could vary from rewards for good behavior, to drastic punishments for perceived crimes, such as mutilation or death.

Overall, each of these philosophies experienced various periods of popularity and decline, with Legalism dominating China during the Qin Dynasty, Confucianism being state-sponsored during the succeeding Han Dynasty, and Daoism becoming widely accepted during the Tang Dynasty. Ultimately, these three competing philosophies would each project their own influence upon Chinese society, leading to the philosophical syncretism that we see in China today.