Mozi

should consider people in terms of love and compassion but it inherently makes the error of viewing these relationships as motivation to only better one’s self. Whilst some may argue there is no significant issue with improving one’s situation through connections made with others, who are viewed as higher-ranking in the hierarchal chain; it can be regarded as intrinsically psychologically egotistical as opposed to the mutually beneficial relationships Mohism emphases which surely would be more desirable in era that was torn with war and famine. This is innate within Mo Zi himself who would often travel to different cities to help persuade rulers to cease any intentions of attacking a neighbouring city as can be seen in the, ‘"Gong Shu" in Mozi, he once walked for ten days to the state of Chu in order to forestall an attack on the state of Song,’ (Whitaker, 2008 p.165). However, some have doubted the ability for the Mohist view to overpower that of the Confucians due to the simple fact that it is not within our human nature to be so undiscerning when considering the love, we give to people. unlimited love seems so distant from the way in which humankind seems to act when considering others. Perhaps it is because we are innately psychological egoists, and that is why Confucian teaching was adopted so vigorously by dynasty after dynasty due to its intrinsic views that seem to place progress the individual rather than the collective in a discrete manner. But when considering…

Every leader of Zhou must follow the teachings of either Confucius, Mozi, and Laozi. I believe the most effective empire will be run using Confucian teaching since it allow for social cohesion while supporting learning and effective government tactics. Confucius education stating “In education there should be no class distinctions.” I find this to be important since it will allow for the cultivation of the most talented individuals in society. We will not be forced to rely on merely nobles but…

Mozi and Kongzi would both agree that one should be obedient to superiors within the family and the government but their reasons for agreeing are different. Kongzi argues that obedience begins in the family and is the basis for good government. A son should first be obedient to his father and then obedient to government. In contrast Mozi argues that obedience to a good government is more important than obedience to the father. My argument is that Mozi’s and Kongzi’s ideas of governance have the…

At a superficial level, Laozi and Mozi seem to be at odds with one another on nearly all levels. Mozi’s philosophy is backed up with reasoning and a prevailing idea of rational thought in order to create order. Seemingly contradictory is Laozi’s claim that order is created through a spiritual law produced by an entity he calls “Dao” or the Way. At a glance Laozi’s philosophy seems far too mystical to have similarities with Mozi, but they actually have far more in common when it comes to how they…

The ancient philosopher Mozi inspired Mohism, similar to Western utilitarianism. Western utilitarianism calls actions to be right if they are useful for the benefit of the majority. Mozi is also known as the original consequentialist. Within his arguments for consequentialism, he proposed that to have moral reasoning in making decisions, humans must be totally impartial. Impartiality in reasoning is the concept of not having any interest in yourself when making the decision and focusing on the…

Mozi was born in 470 BC founded the school of Mohism in opposition to Confucianism and Daoism. Like Confucius, Mozi was trained in classical literature. He saw the Confucianists of his time as overblown and selfish aristocrats. Mozi argued that Confucianism was simply striving to obey the establishment, which was further evidence that Confucius did not support equality or democracy. He condemned Confucian preoccupation with religious ritual, and he ridiculed Confucianists for putting family and…

Ancient Philosophers have placed high social and moral values on art and music constituting art and music as an important influence on a person's moral character. James states an argument from Chinese philosopher Mozi that music is a waste of limited resources, and if individuals waste their time at these musical performances does not benefit an individual in any way. Many of the musical performances were large and costly due to the fact that these musical performances were of the nobility and…

punishment, people stop doing useless work and avoid to be driven by greed and slothfulness. Despite the fact that it is a tight central governing method, it is still pragmatic because people’s thoughts are still not as progressive as democratic thought. Leaving the space for them to arrange may lead to the insurrection and these kinds of insurrections may intend to usurp the power instead of rebuilding a stronger country. If so, power will be taken by evildoer. People are the center of a…

This shows that there are no standard customs, only customs which are deemed right by the current sage of the country. Thus customs are only considered as “right” in the time and place where it is practice. Though rulers employ different techniques, they have the same goal. This is exemplified by section 19.3, through the stories of Mozi and Duangan Mu. Mozi defended attacks from Chu through his speech whereas Duangan Mu defended his state from being attack through his reputation. Both of them…

Yang. Confucianism is not necessarily regarded as a religion, allowing one to be a Taoist, Christian, Muslim, Shintoist or Buddhist and still profess Confucianist beliefs.Taoism is a philosophy which later also developed into a religion. Tao literally means "path" or "way", although it more often used as a metaphysical term that describes the flow of the universe. The Three Jewels of the Tao are compassion, moderation, and humility. Nature and ancestor spirits are common in popular Taoism.…