| Chinese Philosophy |
Article Index for Chinese |
Website Links For Chinese Philosophy |
Information AboutChinese Philosophy |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT CHINESE PHILOSOPHY | |
| chinese culture | |
| chinese philosophy | |
| chinese thoughtchinese culture | |
| chinese philosophy | |
| chinese thought | |
| chinese culture | |
| philosophy | |
| chinese thought | |
| eastern philosophy | |
|
Chinese philosophy is Philosophy written in one of the Chinese Traditions of thought. Chinese philosophy has a history of several thousand years; its origins are often traced back to the Yi Jing (the ''Book of Changes''), an ancient compendium of Divination , which introduced some of the most fundamental terms of Chinese philosophy. Its age can only be estimated (its first flowering is generally considered to have been in about the 6th century BCE Antony Flew & Stephen Priest {Link without Title} , ''A Dictionary of Philosophy''. Pan Macmillan, 2002. ISBN 0330487302.), but it draws on an oracular tradition that goes back to Neolithic times. BRIEF HISTORY Early was also present, as was human and animal sacrifice. When the Shang were overthrown by the Zhou , a new political, religious and philosophical concept was introduced called the " Mandate Of Heaven ". This mandate was said to be taken when rulers became unworthy of their position, and provided a shrewd justification for Zhou rule. During this period, archaeological evidence points to an increase in literacy and a partial shift away from the faith placed in Shang Di, with ancestor worship becoming commonplace and a more worldly orientation coming to the fore. In around 500 BC , after the Zhou state weakened and China moved in to the Spring And Autumn Period , the classic period of Chinese philosophy began (it is an interesting fact that this date nearly coincides with the emergence of the first Greek Philosophers ). This is known as the Hundred Schools Of Thought (百家, bǎijiā). Of the many schools founded at this time and during the subsequent Warring States Period , the four most influential ones were Confucianism , Daoism (often spelled "Taoism"), Mohism and Legalism . The short founder Qin Dynasty , where Legalism was the official philosophy, Quashed Mohist And Confucianist Schools . Legalism remained influential until the emperors of the Han Dynasty adopted Daoism and later Confucianism as official doctrine. These latter two became the determining forces of Chinese thought until the 20th century, with the introduction Buddhist Philosophy (mostly during Tang Dynasty ) negotiated largely through perceived similarities with Daoism. The respective influences of Daoism and Confucianism are often described this way: "Chinese are Confucianist during the day, while they are Daoists at night". Moreover, many Chinese Mandarins were government officials in the daily life ''and'' poets (or painters) in their spare time. When the Communist Party took over power, previous schools of thought, excepting notably Legalism, were denounced as backward, but their influence on Chinese thought remains. GREAT PHILOSOPHICAL FIGURES
CONCEPTS WITHIN CHINESE PHILOSOPHY Although the individual philosophical schools differ considerably, they nevertheless share a common vocabulary and set of concerns. Among the terms commonly found in Chinese philosophy are:
Among the great controversies of Chinese philosophies are:
Among the commonalties of Chinese philosophies are:
NOTES FURTHER READING
SEE ALSO
EXTERNAL LINKS
|
|
|