In this Grade 4 lesson from Discovering Our Past: a History of the World, students explore the three major philosophies that emerged in ancient China between 500 B.C. and 200 B.C. — Confucianism, Daoism, and legalism — and examine how each aimed to restore order and peace during the Period of the Warring States. The lesson focuses especially on Confucius's teachings about duty, filial piety, and civil service, showing how his ideas shaped Chinese government and society for centuries.
Section 1
Confucius Teaches Duty and Respect
Confucius developed a philosophy promoting duty to family and community, respect for elders, and proper behavior. His teachings emphasized that good government requires officials chosen for merit rather than birth.
Section 2
Legalists Enforce Order Through Punishment
Hanfeizi's legalism viewed humans as naturally evil, requiring strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain social order. This philosophy appealed to aristocrats because it emphasized force rather than rulers' responsibilities.
Section 3
Daoists Embrace Nature's Harmony
Founded by Laozi, Daoism encouraged people to live simply and free themselves from worldly desires. Unlike Confucianism's focus on social improvement, Daoists taught harmony with nature as the path to happiness.
Section 4
Families Structure Chinese Society
In ancient China, families practiced filial piety, with children respecting parents and elders. Society divided into four classes: landowning aristocrats, farmers who comprised 90% of the population, artisans, and merchants.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Confucius Teaches Duty and Respect
Confucius developed a philosophy promoting duty to family and community, respect for elders, and proper behavior. His teachings emphasized that good government requires officials chosen for merit rather than birth.
Section 2
Legalists Enforce Order Through Punishment
Hanfeizi's legalism viewed humans as naturally evil, requiring strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain social order. This philosophy appealed to aristocrats because it emphasized force rather than rulers' responsibilities.
Section 3
Daoists Embrace Nature's Harmony
Founded by Laozi, Daoism encouraged people to live simply and free themselves from worldly desires. Unlike Confucianism's focus on social improvement, Daoists taught harmony with nature as the path to happiness.
Section 4
Families Structure Chinese Society
In ancient China, families practiced filial piety, with children respecting parents and elders. Society divided into four classes: landowning aristocrats, farmers who comprised 90% of the population, artisans, and merchants.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter