The teachings of Confucius, The Legalists, Laozi, and Buddha made significant impacts on Chinese culture and society. In this lesson you will begin to explore how these teachings influenced contemporary societies as well as the lasting legacies of the respective thought.

Using the Internet you will explore the links listed on this page to find the applicable information related to the teachings of each of the above philosophers/masters.

To accomplish this you will:

• Work individually
• Answer the assigned questions
• Identify which philosophical teachings you identify with and three reasons why. Be prepared to discuss your reasons with the class.

Complete the following assignments using the embedded links for each topic:

Confucius (Confucianism) - For Confucius, the fundamental unit of society was the family, and moral behavior is broken down into five relationships: ruler and subject; parent and child; husband and wife; old and young; friend and friend. After his death, his teachings of were compiled in a work called the Analects. These were the basis for the civil service system.

1. When did Confucius live? What was the name of the dynasty?
2. Looking at the analects, select a specific teaching related to each of the five relationships.
3. Do you think the teachings you found reflect a positive or negative outlook on human nature?
4. In your research on Confucius were these teachings received with enthusiasm during his time? What about the present day?
5. What is Confucius's ideal of the "Superior Man?"
6. What is the Civil Service System?

Hanfeizi (Legalism) - Hanfeizi lived during the Qin dynasty. The legalist opposed the teachings of Confucius and felt that strict law and harsh punishment was necessary to maintain order.

1. When did Hanfeizi live? What was the name of the dynasty?
2. Answer the questions at the bottom of the Hanfeizi webpage

Laozi (Taoism) - Laozi and his followers, known as Taoists, believe that people should turn to nature and follow the Tao, which is the universal force that guides all things.

1. When did Laozi live? What was the name of the dynasty?
2. What guides Taosit thought? How (In three sentences or less)?
3. How did Yin and Yang reconcile the ideas of Taoism and Confucianism (use your book to help answer this question)?

Buddha (Buddhism) - Buddhism emphasized personal salvation in order to escape from the worldly suffering people endured.

1. When did Buddha live? What was the name of the dynasty?
2. What is Nirvana?
3. How did the Eightfold path lead to Nirvana?
4. What are the Four Truths and how were they applied to daily life?