Confucianism And Legalism Were Two Philosophies Of The Hundred Schools Of Though

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Term Paper Title	Confucianism And Legalism Were Two Philosophies Of The Hundred Schools Of Though
# of Words	1112
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	4.45

Confucianism and Legalism were two philosophies of the "Hundred Schools of Thought" of the Eastern Chou (Zhou) Dynasty that have left profound effects on Chinese thinking, culture, and essentially every aspect of Chinese life.  Confucianism is commonly distinguished as a social and ethical philosophy, while Legalism advocated a strong central government with absolute power.   Although the two schools had very distinct principles, various ideologies from both teachings have been adapted and blended in Chinese history.
     Confucius (K'ung Fu-tzu or "Master K'ung) was a philosopher whose teachings dominated Chinese philosophical thinking for almost 2,500 years.  His principles are studied to this day not only by Chinese historians, but also by scholars throughout the world.  Born an ordinary person in the state of Lu in Shatung province in 551 B.C., Confucius quickly rose in the administrative ranks, but was soon forced out of his office (De Bary, 181).  With the division of China into numerous states, chaos reigned during the late Chou period.  Still believing that he could restore peace and orderliness in his state, Confucius began teaching, never turning back to politics. With as many as 3,000 students, Confucius did not consider himself an inventor of new ideas, just a transmitter (Ching, 235).  Confucius is also credited with writing or editing the Five Classics, which later became the core of curriculum and officially accepted as the philosophy in the Han Dynasty in the second century B.C. (De Bary, 183).  The main sources of his teachings were conversations recorded by his students in the Analects (Ching, 236).  Confucius died in 479 B.C.
     To restore orderliness and peace of the Golden Age of the Western Chou, Confucius urged return to virtue.  This was based on the concept of jen, which has been translated as "humanity," "benevolence," "reciprocity," or "perfect virtue" (De Bary, 187).  Confucius concluded that only through a persistent effort will one transcend into jen:  "Is there anyone who exerts himself even for a single day to achieve humanity?  I have not seen any who had not the strength to achieve it" (De Bary, 187).  Confucius justified his beliefs through his own actions:
          At fifteen I set my heart on learning [to be a sage].
          At thirty I became firm.
          At forty I had no more doubts.
          At fifty I understood Heaven's Will.
          At sixty my ears were attuned [to this Will].
          At seventy I could follow my heart's desire, without overstepping...

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