Morgan Clelland
HIST 274
Ancient Philosophies
and Religions
, Many of the ancient philosophies and religions that played a key role in the daily lives of
their adherents still have a crucial role in the worldview of humanity. Many of these philosophies
and religions such as Confucianism, Daoism, and Hinduism have the common goal of individual
virtue and social harmony. However, the claims and doctrines of each differ on how best to attain
individual virtue and social harmony. Confucianism focuses on changing the surrounding world,
Daoism focuses on leaving the world as it is, and Hinduism focuses upon duty and right action.
Confucianism was founded in China around 500 B.C.E. during the Warring States Period.
Confucianism can be classified as a philosophical system, although there are some references in
its ideas concerning ancestor worship as well as a link between heaven and rulers. A key focus of
this philosophy is using social relationships to shape and change the world. Confucianism
follows a hierarchical model that emphasizes right relationships between individuals (Murphey
32). These relationships revolve around filial piety, which is centered in giving respect towards
others. The five different relationships that are described under filial piety include father-son,
ruler-subject, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friend-friend (Murphey 32).
These relationships reflect a clear emphasis upon respect towards those of higher age and
position. This idea lies in the belief that those of an older age or of a higher position have
attained a greater state of knowledge and wisdom. These superiors and elders are to be looked to
as examples for everyone to follow in attaining individual virtue and societal harmony (Murphy
32). As subordinates and those of younger age then rise in position and become older, it is then
their duty to continue the tradition and pass on their own accumulated knowledge and wisdom.
The intent is to ensure a continuous transfer of knowledge and wisdom so that society may
HIST 274
Ancient Philosophies
and Religions
, Many of the ancient philosophies and religions that played a key role in the daily lives of
their adherents still have a crucial role in the worldview of humanity. Many of these philosophies
and religions such as Confucianism, Daoism, and Hinduism have the common goal of individual
virtue and social harmony. However, the claims and doctrines of each differ on how best to attain
individual virtue and social harmony. Confucianism focuses on changing the surrounding world,
Daoism focuses on leaving the world as it is, and Hinduism focuses upon duty and right action.
Confucianism was founded in China around 500 B.C.E. during the Warring States Period.
Confucianism can be classified as a philosophical system, although there are some references in
its ideas concerning ancestor worship as well as a link between heaven and rulers. A key focus of
this philosophy is using social relationships to shape and change the world. Confucianism
follows a hierarchical model that emphasizes right relationships between individuals (Murphey
32). These relationships revolve around filial piety, which is centered in giving respect towards
others. The five different relationships that are described under filial piety include father-son,
ruler-subject, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friend-friend (Murphey 32).
These relationships reflect a clear emphasis upon respect towards those of higher age and
position. This idea lies in the belief that those of an older age or of a higher position have
attained a greater state of knowledge and wisdom. These superiors and elders are to be looked to
as examples for everyone to follow in attaining individual virtue and societal harmony (Murphy
32). As subordinates and those of younger age then rise in position and become older, it is then
their duty to continue the tradition and pass on their own accumulated knowledge and wisdom.
The intent is to ensure a continuous transfer of knowledge and wisdom so that society may
