Chinese political philosophy dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period, specifically with Confucius in the 6th century BC. Chinese political philosophy was developed as a response to the social and political breakdown of the country characteristic of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States period. The major philosophies during the period, Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism, Agrarianism and Taoism, each had a political aspect to their philosophical schools. Philosophers such as Confucius, Mencius, and Mozi, focused on political unity and political stability as the basis of their political philosophies. Confucianism advocated a hierarchical, meritocratic government based on empathy, loyalty, and interpersonal relationships. Legalism advocated a highly authoritarian government based on draconian punishments and laws. Mohism advocated a communal, decentralized government centered on frugality and ascetism. The Agrarians advocated a peasant utopian communalism and egalitarianism. Taoism advocated a proto-anarchism. Legalism was the dominant political philosophy of the Qin Dynasty, but was replaced by State Confucianism in the Han Dynasty. Prior to China's adoption of communism, State Confucianism remained the dominant political philosophy of China up to the 20th century.
When does Chinese politics date back to?
What broke down causing its development?
To which periods does this date back?
Which philosophers' focus was political unity?
What else did they seek in politics?
What was Confucianism's goverment based on?
What did it advocate?
How many major philosophies were there?
What were they?
What did Mohism advocate?
Which was the dominant philosophy in Qin Dynasty?
What was the main politics before communism?
Until what century?
6th century BC
Chinese political philosophy dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period, specifically with Confucius in the 6th century BC
social and political status of the country
Chinese political philosophy was developed as a response to the social and political breakdown of the country
Spring and Autumn Period, Warring States period
characteristic of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States period
Confucius, Mencius, and Mozi
 Confucius, Mencius, and Mozi, focused on political unity
stability
focused on political unity and political stability as the basis of their political philosophies
empathy, loyalty, and interpersonal relationships
Confucianism advocated a hierarchical, meritocratic government based on empathy, loyalty, and interpersonal relationships
an authoritarian government
Legalism advocated a highly authoritarian government
Five
Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism, Agrarianism and Taoism
Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism, Agrarianism and Taoism
The major philosophies during the period, Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism, Agrarianism and Taoism
a communal, decentralized government
Mohism advocated a communal, decentralized government centered on frugality and ascetism
Legalism
Legalism was the dominant political philosophy of the Qin Dynasty
State Confucianism
State Confucianism remained the dominant political philosophy of China
the 20th
up to the 20th century.