Chinese Philosophers and Their Teachings by List

In China, there are three main types of philosophies and religions i.e. Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. These particular philosophies have influenced Chinese society since ancient times. Chinese philosophers have mixed Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. They help to create a philosophy for educated people. Confucianism says educated people should work for the government. Taoism taught that if politics fail. It is best to find peace by doing nothing. Buddhism offers a refuge for unsuccessful officials. It helps to escape society and enjoy life quietly.

We have discussed the List of Chinese Philosophers and Their Teachings in detail.

Ancient Philosophers Of China and Their Teachings

Ancient Chinese philosophy can be divided into five different ways as mentioned below. Let us discuss.

Philosopher’s Name	Philosophy
Confucius	Confucianism
Dong Zhongshu	Confucianism
Mencius	Confucianism
Laozi	Taoism
Zhuangzi	Taoism
Mozi	Mohism
Han Feizi	Legalism
Yang Zhu	Yangism
Hui Shi	Logic
Gongsun Long	Logic
Xu Xing	Agrarianism
Su Qin	Diplomacy
Sun Tzu	Military Strategy

Confucianism

A sophisticated set of beliefs that emerged in ancient times. Confucianism is a human-centred philosophy that tells about moral, social, and spiritual guidance.

Taoism

A belief system focusing on the natural order of the universe. It is referred to as “The Way.” Taoism rejects fixed ideas about how life should be and attempts to manipulate the world to fit personal desires.

Legalism

A doctrine asserting that people are naturally self-interested. Only a strict government can control these inclinations. Legalism started during times of turmoil and conflict in ancient China.

Mohism

An ancient philosophy from around 470 BC to 391 BC. It incorporates elements from other Chinese philosophies, emphasizing emotion, science, and reason.

Yin and yang

A philosophical concept explaining the interplay of opposing forces. Yin represents passive, dark, and calm aspects such as the Earth. The yang symbolizes light, the Sun, and sometimes chaos. These opposing forces maintain equilibrium in the universe.

Imperial Era Philosophers Of China and Their Teachings

Imperial Era Chinese philosophy can be divided into six different ways as mentioned below. Let us discuss.

Philosopher	Philosophy
Guo Xiang	Xuanxue
He Yan	Xuanxue
Wang Bi	Xuanxue
Ruan Ji	Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
Ji Kang	Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
Shan Tao	Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
Liu Ling	Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
Ruan Xian	Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
Xiang Xiu	Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
Huineng	Chan Buddhism
Linji Yixuan (Lin-chi)	Chan Buddhism
Zhaozhou	Chan Buddhism
Jizang	Chan Buddhism
Sengzhao	Chan Buddhism
Yi Xing	Chan Buddhism
Zhi Dun	Chan Buddhism
Xuanzang	Chan Buddhism
Huiyuan	Chan Buddhism
Zhou Dunyi	Neo-Confucianism
Cheng Yi	Neo-Confucianism
Cheng Hao	Neo-Confucianism
Zhu Xi (Chu Hsi)	Neo-Confucianism
Chen Hongmou	Neo-Confucianism
Wang Fuzhi	Neo-Confucianism
Wang Yangming	Neo-Confucianism
Li Zhi	Neo-Confucianism
Qian Dehong	Neo-Confucianism
Xu Ai	Neo-Confucianism
Huang Zongxi	Neo-Confucianism
Zhan Ruoshui	Neo-Confucianism
Han Yu	Neo-Confucianism
Lu Jiuyuan	Neo-Confucianism
Shao Yong	Neo-Confucianism
Su Shi	Neo-Confucianism
Ye Shi	Neo-Confucianism
Zhang Zai	Neo-Confucianism
Lai Zhide	Neo-Confucianism
Li Ao	Neo-Confucianism
Liu Zongzhou	Neo-Confucianism
Wang Daiyu	Islamic-Confucianism
Liu Zhi	Islamic-Confucianism
Ma Zhu	Islamic-Confucianism
Wang Fuzhi	Kaozheng Evidential Research
Gu Yanwu	Kaozheng Evidential Research
Yan Yuan	Kaozheng Evidential Research
Dai Zhen	Kaozheng Evidential Research
Duan Yucai	Kaozheng Evidential Research
Ji Xiaolan	Kaozheng Evidential Research
Zhang Xuecheng	Kaozheng Evidential Research
Ruan Yuan	Kaozheng Evidential Research
Kang Youwei	Kaozheng Evidential Research
Tan Sitong	Kaozheng Evidential Research
Hong Liangji	Kaozheng Evidential Research

• Xuanxue – A type of philosophical thinking in ancient China that focused on deep ideas about the universe.

• Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove – A group of friends who liked to relax and talk about big ideas in nature.

• Chan Buddhism – A form of Buddhism from China that’s all about meditation and understanding life directly.

• Neo-Confucianism – A newer version of Confucianism that took on ideas from Buddhism and Taoism.

• Islamic Confucianismthe – A mix of Islamic and Confucian ideas that some people in China followed.

• Kaozheng Evidential Research – A way of studying history in old China that looked at real evidence and questioned old ideas.

Modern Philosophers Of China and Their Teachings

Modern Philosophy of China is a mixed philosophy of Ancient Chinese philosophy and Imperial Era philosophy. Here are the major philosophers of this era with their teachings as mentioned below.

Philosopher	Philosophy	Contribution to Society and Teachings
Feng Youlan	Integration of Neo-Confucian, Taoist, and Western metaphysics	Bridging diverse philosophical traditions, fostering cross-cultural understanding
Jin Yuelin	Logical positivism and logic	Advancement of logical and scientific thinking, contributions to formal logic
Tu Weiming	Ethical philosophy	Promotion of ethical values and moral reasoning, emphasis on harmony and humanity
Xiong Shili	Neo-Confucianism	Revival and reinterpretation of Confucian philosophy for modern society
Mou Zongsan	Neo-Confucianism	Development of moral metaphysics, emphasis on ethical cultivation
Tang Junyi	Neo-Confucianism	Exploration of human nature, ethics, and social order within the Confucian framework
Xu Fuguan	Confucianism	Scholarly contributions to Confucian studies, emphasis on classical texts
Zhang Dongsun	Neo-Confucianism	Integration of Western and Chinese philosophy, promotion of critical thinking
Carson Chang	Neo-Confucianism	Synthesis of Eastern and Western thought, advocacy for cultural rejuvenation
Zhou Guoping	Neo-Confucianism	Application of Confucian principles to contemporary issues, societal harmony
Tsang Lap Chuen	Neo-Confucianism	Scholarly contributions to Confucian philosophy and its relevance today

Popular Chinese Philosophers

Here are the top 10 Chinese Philosophers and their teachings as mentioned below.

Philosopher	Philosophy	Contribution to Society or Teachings
Confucius	Confucianism	Ethical framework, emphasis on societal harmony
Laozi	Taoism	Author of the Tao Te Ching, emphasis on natural harmony
Zhuangzi	Taoism	Skeptical philosophy, emphasis on relativity and nature
Mencius	Confucianism	Idealism is, the belief in innate human goodness
Mozi	Mohism	Universal love, against warfare and extravagance
Xunzi	Confucianism	Emphasis on education and ritual as tools for moral development
Han Feizi	Legalism	Advocated for strict laws and governance by a powerful state
Sunzi (Sun Tzu)	Military Strategy	Author of The Art of War, Strategic Military Philosophy
Zhang Zai	Neo-Confucianism	Developed Neo-Confucian metaphysics and cosmology
Wang Yangming	Neo-Confucianism	Emphasis

Confucius

Confucius, also known as Kong Fuzi or Kong Qiu, was a wise thinker in ancient China, living from 551 to 479 BCE. His ideas from that time still influence Chinese culture and thinking today. He believed strongly in being good and treating others well. Confucius said if everyone followed moral values like being honest and respectful, society would be better and happier.

Name	Confucius
Chinese Name	孔子 (Kongzi)
Birth	551 BCE
Death	479 BCE
Birthplace	Qufu, State of Lu (modern-day China)
Job	Philosopher, Teacher
Teaching Method	Confucianism
Main Ideas	Kindness, Good Manners, Family Respect, Honesty, Loyalty
Major Writings	Analects, The Great Learning, The Doctrine of the Mean, The Mencius
Influence	Confucianism became a big deal in China and spread to other parts of Asia. People liked his ideas about being nice and respecting family.
Lasting Impact	Confucius is a really important guy in China. His ideas are still important and people look up to him.
Famous Quote	“Treat others as you want to be treated.”

Laozi

Laozi, also known as Lao Tzu, was an ancient Chinese philosopher credited with starting Daoism. He likely lived around the 6th century BC, but much of what we know about him comes from stories written down later, which might contain some mythical elements. Laozi’s most famous work is the “Tao Te Ching,” a book that talks about the Dao (Tao) and offers guidance for living a harmonious life. It has 81 short chapters or poems.

Name	Laozi (also spelled Lao Tzu)
Birth Date	Estimated to be around the 6th century BCE
Place of Birth	Believed to be in what is now Henan Province, China
Job	Philosopher, writer
Main Idea	Taoism (the belief in the Tao, or “The Way”)
Important Work	“Tao Te Ching” (Classic of the Way and Virtue)
Impact	Revered as one of the most important figures in Chinese philosophy and religion; his ideas have had a big influence on East Asian culture and thought

Zhuangzi

Zhuangzi was an old Chinese thinker linked with Daoism (Taoism). Also called Chuang Tzu or Chuang Chou, he lived around 400 to 300 BCE, a time of war in ancient China. His book, “Zhuangzi,” is famous for exploring deep ideas about life, the self, and the Dao (Tao), which is the natural order of the universe.

Birth	Around 369 BCE (approximately)
Death	Around 286 BCE (approximately)
Region	Ancient China, possibly in the state of Song
School	Taoism
Influences	Laozi (the founder of Taoism), various Chinese philosophical ideas
Influenced	Taoism, Chinese philosophy, Zen Buddhism, and Western philosophy (through translations and interpretations)

Mencius

Mencius, a well-known thinker from ancient China, lived during a time of conflict known as the Warring States era, roughly from 372 to 289 BCE. His ideas greatly influenced Chinese thoughts on ethics and politics, and he’s often considered the second most important figure in Confucianism after Confucius. His most important work, called “Mencius,” is a collection of writings and conversations that expand upon and interpret Confucius’s teachings. Mencius believed that to be truly admirable, people must develop good morals, and that humans are naturally inclined towards goodness.

Name	Mencius (Mengzi)
Chinese Name	孟子
Birth	Around 372 BCE
Death	Around 289 BCE
Era	Warring States Period (475–221 BCE)
School	Confucianism
Influences	Inspired by Confucius and Confucian ideas
Influenced	Neo-Confucianism, later Chinese thinkers
Main Ideas	– Thought people were naturally good and could become better through learning and self-improvement. – Stressed the importance of being morally good, fair, and kind. – Believed a ruler’s goodness was crucial for a peaceful and fair society. – Highlighted the significance of education and the positive influence of teachers.

Mozi

Mozi, also known as Mo Di, was a notable Chinese thinker who established the influential Mohist school of thought during the era of conflict known as the Warring States period, around 470-391 BCE. His philosophy centered on social ethics, practical morality, and envisioning a society that was more peaceful and fair. Mozi’s ideas contrasted with the beliefs of Confucianism and Daoism prevalent during his time.

Name	Mozi (墨子), also known as Mo Di
Period	Warring States period (around 470–391 BCE)
School	Mohism
Birthplace	Lu (modern-day Tengzhou, Shandong, China)
Main Ideas	– Universal love and impartial caring
	– Utilitarianism
	– Against Confucianism and Taoism
	– Emphasis on practicality and utility
Notable Works	– “Mozi” (Book of Mozi)
	– “Mozi Neizi” (Internal Chapters of Mozi)
Contributions	– Developed Mohist philosophy
	– Advocated for political and social reforms
	– Criticized wastefulness and warfare
	– Promoted a society based on meritocracy
Legacy	– Influence on later Chinese thought
	– Mozi’s ideas integrated into Legalism
	– His works preserved in Chinese classics

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List of Chinese Philosophers and Their Teachings

Who is the most famous Chinese philosopher?

Confucius (孔子; pinyin: Kǒngzǐ; lit. ‘Master Kong’; c. 551 – c. 479 BCE), born Kong Qiu (孔丘), was a Chinese philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period who is traditionally considered the paragon of Chinese sages.

Who was China’s most famous teacher and philosopher?

Confucius was China’s most famous teacher and philosopher.

Who are the three main Chinese philosophers?

Philosophers. Confucius, seen as the Great Master but sometimes ridiculed by Taoists. Laozi, the semi-mythical founder of Taoist school. Zhuang Zhou, said to be the author of the Zhuangzi.

Who was China’s first great thinker?

Confucius (551—479 B.C.E.) Better known in China as “Master Kong” (Chinese: Kongzi), Confucius was a fifth-century BCE Chinese thinker whose influence upon East Asian intellectual and social history is immeasurable.

What is Confucius’s Golden Rule?

Confucianism believes in ancestor worship and human-centered virtues for living a peaceful life. The golden rule of Confucianism is “Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.” There is debate over if Confucianism is a religion.