Hundred Schools of Thought
The Golden Age of Chinese Philosophy
Explore the flourishing era of ancient Chinese philosophy, where diverse schools of thought competed and wisdom blossomed across the land
Philosophical Schools
Discover the diverse philosophical traditions that shaped Chinese civilization
Confucianism
Founded by Confucius, this school emphasizes the Five Virtues: benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness. It advocates for self-cultivation, family harmony, and social order through education and moral development.
Core Principles: Benevolence, Ritual Propriety, The Golden Mean, Education, Family Ethics
Key Figures: Confucius, Mencius, Xunzi
Taoism
Founded by Laozi and developed by Zhuangzi, Taoism advocates following the natural way (Dao), practicing non-action (wu-wei), and seeking harmony with nature. It emphasizes inner cultivation and spiritual freedom.
Core Principles: The Dao, Non-Action, Naturalness, Freedom, Tranquility
Key Figures: Laozi, Zhuangzi, Liezi
Legalism
Founded by Han Feizi and Shang Yang, Legalism advocates rule by law, emphasizing strict punishments and rewards. It focuses on centralized power and efficiency, opposing Confucian humanistic governance.
Core Principles: Rule of Law, Rewards and Punishments, Power, Efficiency, Reform
Key Figures: Han Feizi, Shang Yang, Li Si
Mohism
Founded by Mozi, Mohism advocates universal love and non-aggression, emphasizing meritocracy and equality. It promotes utilitarianism and opposes war and extravagance.
Core Principles: Universal Love, Non-Aggression, Meritocracy, Frugality, Utility
Key Figures: Mozi, Qin Guli
School of Names
Founded by Hui Shi and Gongsun Long, this school focused on logic and linguistics, exploring the relationship between names and reality. They developed many famous logical paradoxes and analytical methods.
Core Principles: Names and Reality, Logic, Debate, Linguistic Analysis
Key Figures: Hui Shi, Gongsun Long
Yin-Yang School
Founded by Zou Yan, this school studied the theories of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, exploring cosmic patterns and natural transformations. It profoundly influenced ancient Chinese science and philosophy.
Core Principles: Yin-Yang, Five Elements, Cosmology, Natural Laws
Key Figures: Zou Yan
Historical Context
The Hundred Schools of Thought represents a crucial period in Chinese intellectual history, primarily occurring during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770-221 BCE). During this era, the Zhou dynasty weakened, feudal lords divided the land, and social unrest prevailed, yet this fertile ground gave birth to diverse philosophical traditions.
Seeking solutions for governance and social harmony, various thinkers wrote extensively, traveled between states to advise rulers, and created China's first large-scale intellectual liberation movement. Though these schools held differing views, they all profoundly influenced the development of traditional Chinese culture.
The Hundred Schools of Thought not only enriched Chinese philosophical thought but also provided important theoretical foundations for later political, economic, and cultural development. Many of these ideas remain relevant today and deserve deep study and reflection.
Key Philosophical Concepts
Essential ideas that shaped Chinese philosophical tradition
Unity of Heaven and Humanity
This concept emphasizes the harmonious unity between humans and nature, between humanity and the cosmos. It suggests that humans should follow natural laws and maintain harmonious relationships with all things in heaven and earth. This idea appears in both Taoist and Confucian thought.
The Doctrine of the Mean
A central Confucian concept emphasizing balance and moderation in all things. It advocates avoiding extremes and maintaining appropriate behavior, seeking harmony and equilibrium in one's conduct and relationships.
Governance Through Non-Action
A core Taoist political principle advocating that rulers should follow natural laws and avoid excessive interference, allowing things to develop according to their inherent nature. It emphasizes simplified governance and reduced human intervention.
Universal Love and Non-Aggression
Central Mohist principles advocating universal love without distinction between relatives and strangers, rich and poor. They oppose war and violence, pursuing peace. These ideas embody Mohist egalitarianism and pacifism.