EARLY CHINA LAB

Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism

Possible links

First, consult "The Hundred Schools of Thought." This will give you a basic understanding of the political and cultural contexts of the Three Schools we are going to study. What is meant by the term "The Hundred Schools"?

Then, using the standard search engines research Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism. Please address these topics from the perspective of government, not religion.

When were the "schools" founded and by whom?
Who were the major writers and philosophers of each "school"?
How did each "school" influence government?
How did each "school" impact society?
How do the Classics, especially "I Ching" fit into this?

Keep a bibliography of the sites consulted.

Read the three sites in the column on the left to get some ideas about the relationship of philosophy and government.

Considering the First Emperor and the history of China we have discussed so far, explain why you think that China has historically been influenced by philosophers.