Confucianism and Daoism

Comparison Essay # 115952

Religion and Theology > Eastern

A comparative analysis of the systems of Confucianism and Daoism.

1,944 words () | 10 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Daoism (sometimes referred to as "Taoism") and Confucianism are China's two great religious/philosophical systems and how both are "home grown" in China and sprang up around the same time. Indeed, some people believe that Confucius consulted with Lao-tzu, the legendary founder of Daoism and author of the Dao De Ching to learn how to conduct ceremonies and music. Also looked at are the principles and history of each school of thought, how the two schools have quarreled off and on, and how they have been inextricably linked throughout the ages.

From the Paper:

"Better known in China as "Master Kong," Confucius was a fifth-century BCE Chinese thinker. Little is actually known about him other than that he was the son of an aristocratic family from northern China who spent most of his life trying to gain high position in government. However, he was strong-willed and did not succeed. Instead, he became an educator and political advisor. Fragmentary evidence exists in a Chinese text called the Lunyu, the traditional source for information about Confucius' life and teachings, which were primarily about ethics, honesty, hard work, and concern for others. Confucius taught filial piety. He believed that Daoism pandered to the superstitious nature of the common people and his job was not to eradicate them, but to provide more and better education so people would not be drawn to these sects. "

Sample of Sources Used:

Berthrong, John H. & Berthrong, Evelyn Nagai Confucianism: A Short Introduction Oneworld Publications Oxford England, 2000
Bokenkamp, Stephen R., Ancestors and Anxiety: Daoism and the Birth of Rebirth in China University of California Press, Berkeley, CA 2007
James, Andy, The Spiritual Legacy of Shaolin Temple: Buddhism, Daoism, and the Energetic Arts, Wisdom Publications Sommerville, MA 2004
Kohn, Livia Daoism and Chinese Culture, Three Pines Press Cambridge, MA 2001
Li-hsiang Lisa Rosenlee, Confucianism and Women: A Philosophical Interpretation (S U N Y Series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture), State University of New York Press Albany NY, 2006