Explore the foundational concepts and evolution of Chinese philosophical traditions through a comprehensive course that delves into the major schools of thought from ancient China. Starting with the historical context of the Zhou Dynasty, examine the hierarchical political structures and ritual systems that influenced early Chinese philosophy. Progress through detailed studies of Confucianism, investigating key concepts like Li (ritual propriety) and Ren (humaneness), while understanding Confucius's perspectives on education and politics. Analyze Mohism's utilitarian ethics and theological politics, before moving into Taoist philosophy through the works of Laozi and Zhuangzi, exploring concepts of the ineffable Tao and the ideal of the "True Man." Study the developments in Confucian thought through Mencius's theories on human nature, social philosophy, and political ideas, followed by Xunzi's contrasting views on human nature and education. Conclude with an examination of Legalism, its evolution through thinkers like Shang Yang and Han Feizi, and its practical applications in Chinese governance.
Overview
Syllabus
- Introduction
- What is this course about?
- Historic and Cultural Context
- Historic Background
- Cultural Context
- Cultural Context Continued: Zhou Dynasty
- 3.1 Hierarchical structure in politics
- 3.2 The ritual system of Zhou dynasty
- 3.3 The political system of Zhou dynasty
- 3.4 Cultural decline of Zhou
- 3.5 Confucius and his intellectual background
- Confucianism
- 4.1 Introduction to Confucianism
- 4.2 The philosophy of Li
- 4.3 Confucius's view on education
- Confucianism Continued
- 5.1 Ren: an introduction
- 5.2 What is Ren?
- 5.3 The relation between Ren and Li
- 5.4 Family: a normative source
- 5.5 Confucian politics
- Mohism
- 6.1 Mohism: an introduction
- 6.2 Mozi's theological politics
- 6.3 Mohist utilitarian ethics
- Taoism: Laozi
- 7.1 Laozi’s ineffable Tao
- 7.2 Laozi’s Nature
- 7.3 Human Realm
- 7.4 Laozi’s Politics
- Taoism: Zhuangzi
- 8.1 Metaphysics
- 8.2 The World of Being
- 8.3 The Human Realm
- 8.4 The “True Man”
- Confucianism Developed: Mencius
- 9.1 Social background
- 9.2 Mencius and the Book of Mencius
- 9.3 Philosophic anthropology: human nature
- 9.4 Unmoved heart
- 9.5 Philosophic anthropology summarized
- Mencius’ Social and Political Philosophy
- 10.1 Social philosophy
- 10.2 Political philosophy
- 10.3 Mencius’s view of Heaven
- Xunzi
- 11.1 Human nature
- 11.2 Xunzi's political philosophy
- 11.3 Xunzi's educational philosophy
- 11.4 Xunzi's social philosophy
- Xunzi Continued
- 12.1 The Human and the Cosmic
- 12.2 Debates with other thinkers
- Legalism
- 13.1 Evolution of Legalism
- 13.2 Shang Yang
- 13.3 Shen Buhai
- 13.4 Han Feizi
- Legalism Continued
- 14.1 Legalism and Taoism
- 14.2 Legalism in Practice
Taught by
Yuncheng Zhou
