This is my Lesson Plan adressing three Chinese philosophies. I would appreciate your suggestions. Thank you.

Philosophies of China.

China has been influenced by various philosophies. Below are summaries of the three most prominent philosophies: Confucianism; Daoism; and Legalism. Read the summaries then answer the questions.

Confucianism-Confucius (traditional dates, 551-479 B.C.) was a man of no particular distinction in his own day. He was a scholar who taught moral and practical ways of living. He traveled around and gave advice to rulers of various states. Confucius taught his disciples the traditional arts-music, rituals, the Book of Songs and Book of Documents-while holding up for them high moral standards.

Confucius has exerted a profound influence on the development of Chinese culture and his teachings became the basis for many customs and ethics in the society. His philosophy can be summarized in two words: ren and li. Ren describes how two people should ideally treat each other, and li means “doing the proper thing” Confucius was interested in the goodness of human nature.

Daoism (Taoism)- The word dao means “Way”. The two major texts of Daoism are the Laozi, also called the Classic of the Way and Its Power, ascribed to Lao Dan (sixth century B.C.E.) and the Zhuangzi, mainly written by the philosopher Zhuang Zou (369-286 B.C.E.). Daoism seeks harmony within the universe. To live in harmony with yourself, you must first seek harmony with nature and understand the essence of “being” and “non-being.”

“Being” and “non-being” are both positive aspects of a person. These two opposites make up a whole person (yin-yang concept). Daoists believe that evil and good are both parts of nature. To interfere with either is to resist the natural flow of the universe.

Legalism- By the third century B.C.E., political advisors believed that strong government depends upon establishing effective institutional structures. Because of their emphasis on laws, these thinkers are labeled the Legalists. The first writings are ascribed to Lord Shang (died in 338 B.C.E.) who was a minister of the state of Qin.

According to the Legalists philosophy, a ruler must use reward and punishment to control society. It should be meted out impartially to rich and poor according to a strict code of laws. Everyone should be taught the law in order to obey it. Legalists believe that people will not naturally choose good above evil and, as such, must be guided for their own benefit and the benefit of the state.

Philosophies of China (Questions)

If you were a Chinese emperor, which of these philosophies would you promote? Why?

Choose one of the philosophies. Then answer: What do you think our society would be like if everyone followed this philosophy? How would it be similar to or different from our own society?

Philosophies of China (Vocabulary Development)

Define:

philosophy

exert

essence

aspect

institutional structures

ascribe

meted out

impartial

code of laws

law

benefit

What grade(s) is this LP for?

Indeed! I teach RSP grades 9 and 10 .

i like the succintness of the lesson plan but cannot tell how u share the information?
seems like a lecture format?