World philosophies are a combination of different events that occurred in the past to the present day. The new edition of world philosophies context by David Cooper ensures that it continues to fulfill the people’s demands of the growing people’s interests in all the main philosophical traditions of the world. Culture can help people understand nature and how to adapt regardless of competitiveness. It is crucial to consider humanism in social gatherings such as schools and churches to boost social conduct. A nation such as China is characterized by a unique history considering Taoism, Confucianism, and Mohism that existed and have become an ideology. The main target is meeting human demands by regulating the government’s morals, which boosts personal life values.
China has achieved the goal of social and environmental reforms such as education and production through innovations that have eradicated the traditions. The country’s incitement of the traditional philosophical heritage has promoted solutions for the planet’s future. For example, in ancient China, materials such as analects and books of rites were used by elders to pass knowledge orally to their children. With the increase of the western education system, traditional learning was replaced by writing and reading books containing different languages. The education platform changed gradually because of other factors such as Taoism and Mohism.
Taoism refers to a social institution of philosophical thought or religion where both share ideologies and concepts of Chinese origin and emphasize living in harmony. The principle was prominent in 619-907 CE during the Tang Dynasty period. It illustrates a connection to the philosopher Lao Tzu who composed the main book around 500 B.C.E. Cooper (2002) has considered Taoism to show the foundation of balance and affinity between the masculine and feminine. The traditional accord has no market in the current world since both males and females have equal rights. Chinese people applied the philosophy in various environments such as work to preserve their culture. The emergence of new ideologies has led to depletion of traditions since people have emulated foreign culture to their life routines. It is essential to maintain peace and harmony in society, which prevents the rise of chaos between communities.
The sacred book of Taoism describes the structure of the world, whereby the main driving force is Tao. Taoism describes the relationship between the body, mind, and the environment. Cooper (2002) noted that the new Gods such as Supreme Lord and Yuydi replaced the traditional principles and beliefs. Taoism is widespread in China because of its association with other religions such as Buddhism. The Taoists considered supernatural forces to be the source of Heaven and Earth. People need to understand Godly way in terms of wisdom because familiarity with the faith can help them retain morals. The philosophy emphasizes how different linguistic perspectives make it possible to express the world, and the various languages that were originally spoken.
Confucianism is a Chinese philosophy founded by a wise philosopher Confucius. It positioned the significance of personal behavior and morality. The context shows how human beings commit misconduct through a lack of moral guidance in society. The philosopher compiled his ideas in a conflict-based environment where various philosophical schools confronted each other due to lack of morals. A culture guided by ethical regulations and rituals can help people live a stabilized life, which leads to a better virtuous state. Loyalty, integrity, righteousness, and knowledge are the key elements that help people gain respect in society.
Confucian ethics challenged traditional Chinese society because it had influenced faiths, humanity, governments, and education. Cooper (2002) articulates that, the Confucian reflections even exist in the Chinese people’s way of life. In addition, Confucian teachings such as filial piety, wisdom, and trustworthiness led to the inspiration that supported people’s morals. The doctrine influences the growth of families and reduces domestic violence, which rises due to a lack of wisdom. Parents should equip their children with moral values to help them adapt to different environments without misconducts. Humanity is expressed in Chinese history to illustrate how people should achieve their goals without doubting their existence. Coopers context articulate that people should establish the right goals which aim to benefit their lives.
During the conflict period in China, Mohism belief gained prominence in the entire nation because of its nature of universal love. The Mohist School taught the theory to reflect Confucianism even after the founder’s death. The development of Mohism promoted neutral caring to all other people regardless of their actual relationship. The Mo Tzu period was full of contests, and he intended to retain order. The belief contradicted Confucian in terms of culture and ritual, which Mo Tzu decided to make changes in the Chinese communities. For instance, Confucians stated that one should express a special love to their family and be different from others. Mo Tzu changed it to undifferentiated love since he believed that one needs to love and respect all equally regardless of their status.
In addition, Mo Tzu condemned the expenditure during the rituals and ceremonies in society that led to poverty. The philosopher challenged the budget during ceremonies and rituals because it was a burden to the government. There were various reasons concerning Confucianism that led Mo Tzu to reject it and introduce Mohism. For instance, he fails to refute the Confucian conviction such as filial piety and other components of partial love to demonstrate the selfless duty which would boost moral issues in society. Further, he describes universal love as a total disregard towards citizens, while Confucian admits that special responsibilities towards the perspective of partial love are perfectly unified with respect for humanity. Later, during the Mohism era, learning schemes that seemed to reflect a new approach to Mohism were introduced in schools. The learning revolution progressed with a lot of Asian people participating in studying. The introduction to the language, mathematics, and geometry led to the high demand for engineering fields spread rapidly across Asia.
Jeremy Bentham distinguished right from wrong through his utilitarian ideology and Mo Tzu felt separated from the Confucians. Mo Tzu decided to diverge from Bentham’s utilitarianism in two distinctive ways. First, he understood the benefits or utilities which policy should aim for in terms of economic and political. Secondly, he believed that charitable people are unable to weigh his actions by their conclusion, and thus, a good ruler has the interests of a few people. The display of these reasons insists people’s commitment to future generations is determined to increase the population. Business people apply the idea into their investments to increase their production despite the environment. China is one of the countries with a stabilized economy due to the high potential of producing quality innovation systems in businesses and schools. The competent behaviors have impacted the country positively by decreasing the traditions in China.
Reference
Cooper, D. E. (2002). World philosophies: A historical introduction 2nd edition.