Running head: FIRST GRADED ASSIGNMENT 1

First Graded Assignment

Name
Institution
FIRST GRADED ASSIGNMENT 2

Question 1
Introduction
The writings of Mozi and his ideas that promote the concepts of impartial caring or
universal love have been preached by many Mohists. In the promotion of this notion that that one
should equally care for others regardless of their relationship to him or her, various strengths and
weaknesses have been realized. Mohist thought regarding impartiality in caring can thus be
perceived in different ways. In this assignment, I criticize the Mohist ideas on impartial care
basing on its strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths
Mohist idea aims at promoting the peaceful and friendly existence of people. This is one
very outstanding and likable aspect that everyone should endeavor to promote. As brought out in
this philosophy, the concept of love or care for everyone would mean that no one would be
intending to harm the other but rather care for them. This is a concept which if actualized would
surely be beneficial and very so many positive impacts even to other sectors of life.
Weaknesses
The first weakness is that this philosophy brings out love as being indiscriminate. I think
this is practically impossible. It is only naturally true that one would develop a greater love for
those closest to him or her. A child for example would develop more love for his parents and
siblings as compared to strangers. Even though love should be unconditional, one would always
incline to have more love for others. It is therefore not very possible to equally care for everyone
as Mohism tends to bring out. Mohism tends to replace the attachment within the family and clan
structures with the concept of universal love. This according to me is one major weakness since
these connections constitute blood and thus the feelings and affection among these members are
greater hence they would treat each other with more care as compared to a stranger.
Another weakness that comes out in Mohist idea concerning universal love is that it is not
clearly shown whether impartial care should be mandatory or optional. This poses a false
dilemma as these philosophical writings do not openly bring out their aims in achieving universal
love. Even though their arguments justify inclusive care, the moral concern that should be
exhibited towards everyone is only to a weak sense. It is, therefore, necessary that this Mohist
doctrine aligns the degree to which universal care should be realized.
Another very evident shortcoming from this philosophy is that it does not specifically
give what impartial care demands. I believe it is way much easier to care more for those who are
close and related to us than anyone strange to us. Mohism should thus state the possibility and
the things that are demanded to realize this universal love since it is not a simple thing to
actualize. It is unlikely that the consequences and the examples used to display inclusive care in
the texts bring out this doctrine as being less burdensome, something which is different from the
real-life situation.
Conclusion
It is therefore evident from the illustrations that Mohists’ arguments concerning impartial
care have more weaknesses as they are less realistic in real-life situations. It is however essential
to implement these ideas to a given extent as it is beneficial even though the reality is that an all-
inclusive realization is less possible.
FIRST GRADED ASSIGNMENT 3

Question 2
Various disparities exist between the Confucian conception of self and the Daoist
conception of self. These differences furthermore affect the core teachings of Confucius and
Laozi.
The Confucian conception of self is based on relationships. The perception of the
relationship of one person to the other is highly influential on the social actions that one engages
in. the identity of a person is thus attached to his or her social relationship with others according
to Confucianism. An individual in this case is not regarded as a separate being but rather as a
member of the larger whole. Daoist conception on the other hand disregards this hierarchical
view of the self. It dismisses the Confucian view of the self as an extension of social
relationships. Besides, Daoism is against the idea that the self is defined by social relationships.
It rather regards the self as one of the extensions of the Tao, that is, an extension of the cosmos.
It tends to bring a disparity between the self and others thereby suggesting that the attributes,
ideas, and actions of a person are independent of social relationships.
In Confucianism, the self is perceived as a subdued self. Its condition is therefore to
respond to perceptions of social requirements and obligations and not of his own needs and
aspirations. This reliance on external perceptions thus leaves less room for expression of
emotions and feelings. This rigidity in ensuring proper conduct allows for no deviation from the
norm thus hinders the development of individuality. Besides, Confucianism perceives the self in
terms of the ability of one’s behavior to meet certain external moral or social criteria. Daoism on
the other hand views the self from a selfless perspective. The selfless attitude as brought out in
Daoism promotes acceptance of situations independent of external factors and social
relationships. Occurrences such as sorrow and death are taken as part of life and not as inherent
miseries and related to external influences. In Daoism therefore, a balance exists as the self is not
inclined to depend on external relationships and cosmos as in Confucianism.
These differences affect the core teachings of Confucius and Laozi in that they create
mixed perceptions of philosophy and religion among the readers. These perceptions of the self
through designated by the two philosophers for civilization, advancements, and prosperity of
people especially Chinese people are greatly affected as a result of the different perspectives with
which they view the self hence are not optimally utilized. How very essential ideas regarding
justice, morality, and sincerity are brought out differently in Confucianism and Daoism
philosophies act as obstacles towards these core teachings being internalized to clearly
understand the self. These differences could thus negatively affect the core teachings of
Confucius and Laozi through the promotion of a false understanding of the self through people
trying to join these philosophies and come up with a universal perception. It is however also to
be noted that the differences in the portrayal of the self according to Confucian and Daoist
concepts allow people to explore the core teachings deeply to understand these disparities. These
differences therefore foster people engage more with the core teachings thus having a positive
effect on them. it is therefore important to identify and understand the disparity that exists
between these philosophies in understanding the core teachings of Confucius and Laozi.
FIRST GRADED ASSIGNMENT 4