Daoism, Confucianism

Primary concerns of confucianism

• worldy concerns:

• social order, ethics, relationships

Primary concerns of daoism

• harmony with the Dao

• naturalness

• flow

Confucianism view human-made distinctions?

• helpful and essential for social harmony

Daoism view human-made distinctions?

• harmful, artificial constructs that disrupt harmony

Confucian approach to government and society?

• Intervention

• governing through education, ritual

Daoist approach to government and society?

• non-intervention

• minimal interference, allowing natural order to unfold

central Confucian virtue?

• Ren: love, compassion for others

central Daoist virtue?

• Wu wei: effortless, non-forcing harmony

Confucianism view action vs. contemplation?

• emphasize action, ritual, social roles

Daoism view action vs. contemplation?

• emphasize contemplation, non-effort, aligning with Dao

Confucianism view ritual?

• rituals align society and humans with heaven

Daoism view ritual?

• rituals are aligned with natural forces

How does Confucianism understand the “Way” (Dao)?

• ethical and social way

• good human behaviour

How does Daoism understand the Dao?

• cosmic and natural process of reality

Confucianism view the relationship between humans and nature?

• humans shape order through virtue, morals, ritual

How does Daoism view the relationship between humans and nature?

• humans should model themselves after nature