Mohism and Mencius’ Thought
Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy
Instructor: Masayuki Sato
Mid-Term Paper
Question 1: Do you think which doctrine was really helpful for saving people from their destitute condition between Mohism and Mencius’ thought, and why?
When we put the two philosopher’s thoughts together, we can see one striking commonality. Both of them were against aggressive way and emphasized the importance of caring for the welfare of the state’s people. Ideologies that run in opposite directions also exist between the two thoughts. Eventually, it came down to how their teachings were carried out and their applicability to the lives of the lower class people, which determined which one of them, truly was the more helpful one.
Mencius, compared to Mozi, was more influential in the ruling courts of the Warring States Period. His advice and ideas on how to run the country were much sought after by kings and rulers. He emphasized the significance of the commoners in the state and strongly believed that the destitute conditions of the people had to be cared for and he provided rulers with suggestions and policies on how to ensure livelihood of their people. In order to persuade the rulers into practicing benevolence in the government, he claimed definitively that human nature is good. Mozi and his disciples adopt another approach; they travelled around the states to sell their ideas, help to end and prevent wars of aggression, eventually bringing peace and social order back to the society. Comparatively, both were targeted at reaching the same goal, through different channels and means.
While Mencius’ thoughts followed those of Confucius’ – pro-music and pro-funeral – Mohism is strongly against both. In fact, Mozi dedicated an entire chapter in “非樂Against Music” to display his repulsion towards any form of ritual music and arts. Mozi spoke against long and lavish funerals and argued that the living would be subjected to more poverty if they do this. Given the
Instructor: Masayuki Sato
Mid-Term Paper
Question 1: Do you think which doctrine was really helpful for saving people from their destitute condition between Mohism and Mencius’ thought, and why?
When we put the two philosopher’s thoughts together, we can see one striking commonality. Both of them were against aggressive way and emphasized the importance of caring for the welfare of the state’s people. Ideologies that run in opposite directions also exist between the two thoughts. Eventually, it came down to how their teachings were carried out and their applicability to the lives of the lower class people, which determined which one of them, truly was the more helpful one.
Mencius, compared to Mozi, was more influential in the ruling courts of the Warring States Period. His advice and ideas on how to run the country were much sought after by kings and rulers. He emphasized the significance of the commoners in the state and strongly believed that the destitute conditions of the people had to be cared for and he provided rulers with suggestions and policies on how to ensure livelihood of their people. In order to persuade the rulers into practicing benevolence in the government, he claimed definitively that human nature is good. Mozi and his disciples adopt another approach; they travelled around the states to sell their ideas, help to end and prevent wars of aggression, eventually bringing peace and social order back to the society. Comparatively, both were targeted at reaching the same goal, through different channels and means.
While Mencius’ thoughts followed those of Confucius’ – pro-music and pro-funeral – Mohism is strongly against both. In fact, Mozi dedicated an entire chapter in “非樂Against Music” to display his repulsion towards any form of ritual music and arts. Mozi spoke against long and lavish funerals and argued that the living would be subjected to more poverty if they do this. Given the
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