-
2000 BCE
Hinduism
Arguably the world’s oldest religion
It begins as a polytheistic tradition much like Greek/Roman mythologies
Over time, it develops into one of the most diverse set of philosophical and religious ideas the world as ever seen -
500 BCE
Buddhism
Begins in India, but it does not stay there
A historical trend of moving across cultural and political borders and changing as it encounters other views of the world
Siddhartha Gautama is the founder -
500 BCE
Confucianism
Starts with Confucius
Probably a real historical character
Lives from about 551-479 BCE (between the Zhou and Qin dynasties), the Warring States period
Writes primarily about ethics and political philosophy
Confucius has a hierarchical view of the ideal society
His notion of individual wellbeing is tied to that
Five Key Relationships (leader/follower)
Father and Son
Elder Brother and Younger Brother
Husband and Wife
Older Friend and Younger Friend
Ruler and Subject