The History of Philosophy in 16 Questions - Q6: What can we learn from nature?

The History of Philosophy in 16 Questions - Q6: What can we learn from nature?

Hundred Schools of Thought (600-200 B.C.)

Legalism: Humans are inherently corrupt and social order can only be maintained through strict hierarchy that imposes order through force.

Mohism: Human society is best served through equality, frugality, and ethical education focused on helping people understand their own best interests. An early example of utilitarian and materialist thinking.

Logicians: Focused on correct thinking, argumentation, naming and use of language as the method best suited to understanding the world and discovering right action. Placed heavy emphasis on reason.

Confucianism: Emphasis on the founding of social order in hierarchy, family, conformity to social roles, the native goodness of human beings and the central role of education.

The sense of compassion is the beginning of benevolence; the sense of shame the beginning of righteousness; the sense of modesty the beginning of decorum; the sense of right and wrong the beginning of wisdom. Man possesses these four beginnings just as he possesses four limbs. Anyone possessing these four and saying that he can not do what is required of him is abasing himself. Mencius

Treat with reverence due to age the elders in your own family, so that those in the families of others shall be similarly treated; treat with the kindness due to youth the young in your own family, so that those in the families of others shall be similarly treated—do this and the kingdom may be made to go round in your palm. It is said in the 'Book of Poetry,'

'His example acted on his wife,

Extended to his brethren,

And was felt by all the clans and States;'

Rén (仁, benevolence, humaneness); Yì (義/义, righteousness or justice);

Lǐ (禮/礼, proper rite); Zhì (智, knowledge); Xìn (信, integrity).

Zhōng (忠, loyalty); Xiào (孝, filial piety);

Jié (節/节, contingency); Yì (義/义, righteousness).

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