Mohism
“To accomplish anything whatsoever one must have standards. None have yet accomplished
anything without them.”
General facts on mohism
Chinese philosophy. Founded by Mozi or Mo Di, popular for a few years
Period wherein many philosophies started to develop in east and west = ‘the hundred
schools of thought’- period
Criticized the Confucian ideology
Believed that the essential problem of human ethics was an assess of partiality and
compassion
Most famous concept: inclusive love/care
Aim: re-evaluate human behavior, so that humans would feel compassion for other
human beings in society as well
<-> Confucianism: only family
Political and social background
All power with aristocracy -> only interested in military glory (no one interested in common
people)
Mentality of selfishness & lawlessness -> interested in themselves & didn’t followed legal
system
Consequence: frustration and outrage
Mo Di, the founder
Public activist= interested in organizing harmonious society with high level of equality
Wanted to reform society according to objective moral standards -> role model, so that
people saw how to behave
- End warfare: no pacifists (have the right to defend themselves)
Condemned military aggression but wanted a strong defense force (don’t
attack other countries, but if they attack, we can defend)
- Alleviate poverty
- Promote welfare of all
“To accomplish anything whatsoever one must have standards. None have yet accomplished
anything without them.”
General facts on mohism
Chinese philosophy. Founded by Mozi or Mo Di, popular for a few years
Period wherein many philosophies started to develop in east and west = ‘the hundred
schools of thought’- period
Criticized the Confucian ideology
Believed that the essential problem of human ethics was an assess of partiality and
compassion
Most famous concept: inclusive love/care
Aim: re-evaluate human behavior, so that humans would feel compassion for other
human beings in society as well
<-> Confucianism: only family
Political and social background
All power with aristocracy -> only interested in military glory (no one interested in common
people)
Mentality of selfishness & lawlessness -> interested in themselves & didn’t followed legal
system
Consequence: frustration and outrage
Mo Di, the founder
Public activist= interested in organizing harmonious society with high level of equality
Wanted to reform society according to objective moral standards -> role model, so that
people saw how to behave
- End warfare: no pacifists (have the right to defend themselves)
Condemned military aggression but wanted a strong defense force (don’t
attack other countries, but if they attack, we can defend)
- Alleviate poverty
- Promote welfare of all
