Mohism

Birth Places of Chinese Philosophers

Mohism or Moism (Chinese: 墨家; pinyin: Mòjiā) was an ancient Chinese philosophy developed by the followers of Mozi (also spelled Mo Tzu, c. 470 – c. 391 BCE), a philosopher and engineer who lived during the Warring States period of ancient China. Mohism is best known for its concepts of "impartial care" (兼愛, jiān ài) and "universal love" (博愛, bó ài), which challenged the prevailing Confucian ideals of the time by advocating for equal love among people, regardless of their relationship or social status. Mohism also emphasized meritocracy, practicality, and a strong central government as means to social order and benevolence.

Philosophy

Mohism is characterized by its emphasis on logic, rational thought, and science. Mozi advocated for a utilitarian approach to society and governance, arguing that actions should be judged by their utility in benefiting the majority of people. This philosophy extended to a rigorous opposition to warfare and aggression, except in cases of defensive wars or when fighting could prevent greater conflicts. Mohists were also known for their skills in engineering and developed various defensive devices during the Warring States period to protect cities from military attacks.

Core Concepts

• Universal Love: The idea of impartial and unconditional love towards all individuals, which was seen as a way to end conflict and bring about peace and social harmony.
• Meritocracy: Mohism argued for positions of leadership to be based on ability and morality rather than birthright or nepotism, contrasting sharply with the Confucian emphasis on filial piety and the importance of family lineage.
• Anti-Fatalism: Mozi contended against the fatalistic worldview that human efforts are futile against the will of heaven, instead advocating that people can shape their destiny through practical efforts and moral actions.
• Economy of Expenditure: A principle advocating for frugality and against excessive rituals and funerals, which Mozi believed wasted resources that could be used for the welfare of the living.

Influence and Decline

Mohism was influential during the Warring States period and the early Han Dynasty, providing a counterpoint to the dominant Confucian ideology. However, by the late Han Dynasty, Mohism had largely declined, overshadowed by the resurgence of Confucianism and the rise of Daoism and Buddhism in China. Despite its decline, Mohism's emphasis on universal love and its scientific approach to problem-solving left a lasting legacy on Chinese thought.

Modern Interpretations

In contemporary times, Mohism has been reevaluated by scholars and seen as a precursor to certain modern ideas of egalitarianism, utilitarianism, and pacifism. Its principles have found resonance in discussions on moral philosophy, ethics, and political science.

See Also

• Confucianism
• Daoism
• Legalism
• Chinese philosophy