Philosophy 20

 Philosopher 6

Name: Mozi - Chinese Philosopher (470 to 391 BCE)

Tradition: Chinese Philosophy

Approach: Mohism

During the Warring States period in China, Mozi emerged as a major rival to the dominant Confucian school of thought. He challenged Confucian ideals like filial piety and ritual propriety, advocating instead for a more meritocratic and utilitarian approach.

Mozi is considered one of the first thinkers, if not the very first, to develop a theory of consequentialism.  His philosophy, Mohism, emphasizes judging actions based on their overall benefit to society, promoting universal love (jian ai) and opposing unnecessary conflict. This focus on outcomes and social good became a central theme in later ethical theories.

Mozi and his followers weren't afraid to challenge traditional beliefs and practices. They actively engaged in debates and arguments, advocating for their ideas through logic and reason. This emphasis on reasoned discourse and questioning assumptions contributed significantly to the development of Chinese philosophy.

Mozi's philosophy relied on the concept of Heaven as the ultimate source of morality and a guarantor of impartial justice. This concept provided a foundation for his ethical principles and offered a way to promote social order without solely relying on tradition or hierarchy.

Mohism wasn't just theoretical. Mozi and his followers actively advocated for pacifism and offered their services to mediate conflicts between warring states. Their focus on practicality and social benefit is a notable aspect of their philosophy.

Mohism later came into competition with Legalism, another prominent philosophy during the Warring States period. Legalism emphasized strict laws and centralized power, while Mohism focused on universal love and social harmony.

Mohism declined in prominence after the Qin Dynasty rose to power. However, Mozi's ideas have been rediscovered and re-evaluated by scholars in recent times, recognizing his significant contributions to Chinese philosophy.

“Mozi believes that there is always reciprocity in our actions. By treating others as we would wish to be treated ourselves, we will receive similar treatment in return. This is the meaning behind ‘when one throws me a peach, I return to him a plum’.” (Buckingham 44)

Work Cited

Buckingham, Will. The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained. DK, 2011.

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