Chinese Philosophy Schools
2,500 Years of Wisdom Traditions
Journey through the great schools of Chinese philosophy that have guided thought, culture, and governance for millennia. Each tradition offers unique insights into the nature of existence, ethics, and the path to wisdom.
Schools of Thought
Explore each philosophy's core teachings, key figures, and lasting influence
儒家 (Rújiā)
6th century BCE - presentFounder: Confucius
Also known as: School of Scholars, Ru School
Core Teachings:
- •Ren (Benevolence) - Humaneness, compassion, and love for others - the highest virtue
- •Li (Ritual Propriety) - Proper conduct, ceremonies, and social etiquette that create civilized society
- •Xiao (Filial Piety) - Respect and care for parents and ancestors
Key Figures:
ConfuciusMenciusXunzi
道家 (Dàojiā)
6th century BCE - presentFounder: Laozi
Also known as: Daoism, The Way, School of the Tao
Core Teachings:
- •Tao (The Way) - The ultimate reality and source of all existence, ineffable and beyond human comprehension
- •Wu Wei (Non-Action) - Acting in accordance with natural flow, not forcing or striving against nature
- •Yin-Yang - Complementary opposites that create dynamic balance in all existence
Key Figures:
LaoziZhuangziLiezi
佛教 (Fójiào)
1st century CE - presentFounder: Buddha Shakyamuni
Also known as: Buddha Dharma, Middle Way, Buddhist Philosophy
Core Teachings:
- •Four Noble Truths - Core diagnosis of human condition: suffering exists, has a cause, can end, and there's a path to end it
- •Noble Eightfold Path - Eight-fold path to end suffering: right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration
- •Three Jewels - Buddha (teacher), Dharma (teaching), Sangha (community) - foundation of Buddhist practice
Key Figures:
Buddha ShakyamuniKumarajivaHuineng
法家 (Fǎjiā)
7th-3rd centuries BCEFounder: Guan Zhong
Also known as: School of Law, Fajia, Legalist School
Core Teachings:
- •Fa (Law) - Comprehensive legal system with clear, uniform, and publicly known laws applied equally to all
- •Shu (Administrative Methods) - Techniques of rulership including bureaucratic organization and control mechanisms
- •Shi (Political Authority) - Legitimate political power and authority derived from institutional position
Key Figures:
Guan ZhongShang YangHan Feizi