Confucianism And Daoism: Comparing Primary Documents

Confucianism and Daoism: Comparing Primary Documents Based on the tenants each religious philosophy, Documents A and D represent the Confucian tradition and Documents B and C represent the Taoist tradition. Both traditions set forth major principles for living as an individual and within the community. Major topics include punishment, weapons, conflict, leading, virtue, and crime. Each respective set of principles seeks to make the world virtuous by its own standards. Confucianism reflects the morally conservative ideas of corrective punishments and ones duty to society. Document A suggests ideas to “secure the submission of the people” through social order and corrective action. Similarly, Document D describes ways for a ruler to encourage men to “cultivate their filial piety, brotherly respect, loyalty, and faithfulness.” Both evidences for Confucianism illustrate how leaders can correct the people and promote Ren through their own virtue. Capital punishment is noted as a form of Li used to transform citizens’ actions into Yi. …show more content…
Both Documents B and C mention the sage, or very wise individual, when trying to teach the principle of Wu Wei as truly virtuous. A clear set of principles laid out in Document B teaches the value of non-interference, while denouncing the pitfalls of over-regulation and rivalry. The following evidence debunks the Confucian idea of virtue by suggesting Yin Yang and Taoist virtue in nature. Harmony describes the natural state of the universe, and “when there is abstinence from action, good order is universal.” Exciting the desires of people disrupts harmony by its interference with Wu