Hello there--

Please assist me by comparing and contrasting Confucianism and Taoism.  

Thank you.  Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

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Request for Question Clarification by websearcher-ga on 17 Dec 2002 18:59 PST

Hi coggs101:

Thank you for the fascinating question. 

There are many excellent web resources on the similarities and
differences between Conficianism and Taoism. In what format would you
like an answer to come?

* list of links to web resources (with central quotes extracted)
* essay-style with quotes taken from web pages
* short essay without quotes from web pages

If you are interested in an essay style, how many words are you
wanting?

Thanks. 

websearcher-ga

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Clarification of Question by coggs101-ga on 18 Dec 2002 05:32 PST

Dear Websearcher--

Good morning.  Ideally, I'd like the answered in a simple essay
format.

See, when it comes to writing a contrast and comparison essay, the
three paragraphs of body irritate me.  Usually, I write one comparing
and another contracting; however, the third I find that I fluff, and
that makes me nuts.  In terms of length, about a page is good.  I'm
not looking for anything too extravagates, just concise.  Links are
cool, but not necessary.

Thank you, Websearcher for the question.  Hopefully, I effectively
communicated myself.

Hello coggs101:

Thanks for your clarification. The following is my short (~450 word)
essay on the differences and similarities between Confucianism and
Taoism. Of course, for such a vast subject, I could have written
hundreds of pages (as others have before me). I hope that what I have
presented does not greatly over-simplify the issue.


****************************

Confucianism and Taoism

   While they both have elements of philosophy and religion, 
Confucianism and Taoism at first seem to be polar opposites of each 
other. They appear to represent different methods of thinking about 
the world around us and to impose separate codes of behavior. However,
many people (especially in the East) incorporate elements of both 
philosophies in their daily lives and believe strongly that the two 
can and do work together in harmony. 
   One of the greatest areas where Confucianism and Taoism differ 
is in their primary focus. Confucianism focuses on the social, 
earthly orientation of everyday life. According to Confucius, humans 
are primarily social beings with a natural capability for goodness - 
which, if followed, leads to social harmony. In Confucianism a 
"superior man" is one who has trained himself to do what society 
expects of him. On the other hand, Taoism places much more focus 
on the relationship of the individual with himself, on achieving an 
inner harmony. Taoism is much less earthly in nature and places 
importance on "coming into harmony" with the Tao - the ultimate 
reality that formed the universe and everything around us. To
simplify,
while they both dwell on the improvement of the individual,
Confucianism
looks outward to accomplish this, while Taoism looks inward. 
   Another area where the two philosophies differ is in how they are 
passed on and taught. While both philosophies revolve around the
wisdom of
a single teacher or master, they are presented in very different ways.
Confucianism has a dialogic tradition - that is, lessons and teaching
are
presented as a dialog between the master (Confucius) and his
student(s).
In fact, most of the Confucian texts are simply that - recordings of 
question and answer sessions between master and student, each with a 
distinct lesson to impart. Taoism relies mostly on the direct writings
of Lao Tzu, its founder. The "Tao Te Ching", Taoism's main text, is a
series of monologues (in poem form) that are meant to be taken as 
a whole.
   One thing that Confucianism and Taoism have in common is that both
philosophies focus on the goal of self-improvement. In Confucianism,
the
individual improves himself through orderly adherence with codes of 
behavior and respect for elders, and the reward is achieved strictly 
in this life. In Taoism, the individual improves himself through 
contemplation of himself and universal energy, and the reward (while 
also in this life) is mainly in the next life (i.e., through 
reincarnation). However, in both philosophies, the end result of this
self-improvement is an improved social order that benefits all. 
   While no-one would deny that Confucianism and Taoism have strong 
contrasts, their similar goals have allowed them to co-exist 
successfully for thousands of years in many cultures of the world. 
In fact, many believe that without incorporating elements of both 
philosophies, an individual cannot be truly whole. 

*********************************************
   

Some webpages I used in my research:

Confucianism/Taoism Comparison Chart
http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/fah/eng/wc/conftao.htm

Taoism
http://www.4essays.com/essays/TAOISM1.HTM

Lao Tzu: Father of Taoism
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/lao.html

Essay # 1
http://www.dickinson.edu/~krebs/aeatop2pprs.htm


I hope that this information has been of help in your search.
        
If you need any clarification of the information I have provided,
please ask using the Clarification feature and provide me with
additional details as to what you are looking for. As well, please
allow me to provide you with clarification(s) *before* you rate this
answer.
             
Thank you.              
             
websearcher-ga             
             
           
Search Strategy (on Google):      
 
confucianism "oral tradition"
Confucianism taoism differences
Confucianism taoism similarities
Confucianism taoism similarities differences
confucius students
taoism tzu
taoism

Excellent!  It is exactly was I was looking to receive by using this
service.  A job well done and very well said!!!  Thank you so much!

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely, 
Coggs101