Confucianism Versus Taoism
Confucianism and Taoism both have been most influential societal philosophies in the Chinese societies for many years and their impact is still present in the East Asian countries. Confucianism system was developed by Master Kong from his teachings through 551 to 479 BC. The main principle of Confucianism is based on the provision of education for the moral development of individuals. Confucianism states that it is better to make people understand the value of right and wrong before the action takes place because sometimes people just don’t know that what they are doing is right or wrong (Yao, 22). The application of coercive laws then becomes very negligible because people clearly understand their moral values. This in the end helps in the governing of societies effectively as the people become responsible in their approach and because of the probable shame that they have to face if they lose keeps them away from doing wrong (Yao, 43). This is how many societies in East Asian countries have prevailed over the course of history. Taoism on the other hand is the following the rules of nature. It is emphasized that Taoism suspects the Confucianism for being rational in their approach towards the progression of societies through moral values. Taoism states that in order to keep the balance of the universe, a society must follow the rules of the nature. Taoism believes in peace, vitality, flexibility, the ways of speaking with honor and respect and committing of actions in a better guided way (Saso, 43). Taoism was formed after the Confucianism prevailed and some philosophers who studied the social and moral values of Confucianism described some missing objects in this society. Taoism looked towards providing some moral values to the Confucianism but in the end moved in another direction away from the educating aspects of Confucianism. Tao means the right path or channel and philosophers believe that in order to progress in the healthy manner, the Taoism seems to be the best path because it is close to nature and doesn’t require any changing in the manner that are being made to the individuals in the Confucianism (Saso, 121).
Taoism believed that it is better not to touch the personalities of the individuals by making models and inscribing changes on their attitudes as they may require. Lao Tzu was the founder of Taoism and he emphasized that nature is one of the three forces of universe; others being expansive and contractive forces (Saso, 143). He also believed the way of nature is unchanging and will remain eternal. However, the approach of Confucianism as described earlier stated that human beings are wise and must use all their abilities to live by the way require. The mind is given to the humans not just to follow the trends but to distinctively observe and take decision accordingly. According to Confucianism individuals are virtuous and honest in nature but that doesn’t simply account for their success in any society (Yao, 99).
From the above analysis of both the philosophies it becomes evidently clear that these two societies cannot prevail together. They both are completely opposite each other in every approach. Critics emphasize on the importance of both the societal models but for a man as he is, he has to make certain decisions to live properly in a way that is better for himself and the others. Different aspects reveal different information but on the real perspective it seems that Confucianism is the better societal approach that can completely shape the moral values of the humans. Confucianism is what that provides purposes to the lives and the meaning to the survivals. The understanding of what is right and what is wrong should be done with careful studying the requirements of a single society. This is where Taoism completely flops in front of Confucianism.
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