Chinese philosophers include:
Ancient philosophers
Confucianism Confucius, arguably the most influential Chinese philosopher ever. Dong Zhongshu, integrated Yin Yang cosmology into a Confucian ethical framework. Gaozi Mencius, idealist who proposed mankind is innately benevolent. Wang Fu, endorsed the Confucian model of government. Wang Mang, emperor who sought to create a harmonious society, yet chaos resulted. Xunzi, broke from Mencius' view, instead arguing that morality is extrinsic. Yan Hui, the favorite disciple of Confucius and one of the most revered figures of Confucianism. Zengzi Zheng Xuan Zisi Zhu Xi List of Confucianists
Daoism Ge Hong Laozi (Lao Tzŭ), illusive founder of Taoism and author of the Tao te Ching (Book of the Way). Lie Yukou, said to be the author of the Daoist book Liezi Yang Xiong Zhang Daoling Zhang Jue Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzŭ), mystical and relativistic skeptic. List of Taoists
Chinese School of Naturalists and Naturalism Zou Yan, combined the theories of Yin-Yang and The Five Elements.
Mohism Mozi (Mo Tzŭ), utilitarian and founder of the Mohist school. Lu Ban
Legalism Guan Zhong, whose reforms made him disparagingly identified as Legalist, but actual philosophy did not develop until hundred years later. Chao Cuo Han Feizi, synthesizer of Legalist theories. Li Kui Li Si Shang Yang Shen Buhai Shen Dao Zi Chan
Yangism Yang Zhu
The Logicians Deng Xi Hui Shi, relativistic Logician who influenced Zhuangzi. Gongsun Long, logician who was known for his paradoxes.
The Agrarians Xu Xing
School of Diplomacy Guiguzi Su Qin Zhang Yi Yue Yi Li Yiji
School of Military Sun Tzu Sun Bin
Imperial era philosophers
Xuanxue Guo Xiang He Yan Wang Bi, Three Kingdoms philosopher Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove Ruan Ji Ji Kang Shan Tao Liu Ling Ruan Xian Xiang Xiu
Chan Buddhism Huineng, 6th Buddhist patriarch of the Chan (Zen) School in China, he established the concept of "no mind". Linji Yixuan (Lin-chi), founder of the Linji school of Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China, a branch of which is the Rinzai school in Japan. Zhaozhou, famous chan (Zen) master during the 8th century, noted for his wisdom. Became known for his subtle teaching methods and his use of gongans. Jizang Sengzhao Yi Xing Zhi Dun Xuanzang Huiyuan
Neo-Confucianism Zhou Dunyi, argued for the inseparability of metaphysics and ethics. Cheng Yi, made enemies with other philosophers, resulting in his works being banned. Cheng Hao, brother to Cheng Yi. Zhu Xi (Chu Hsi), rationalist and leading figure of the School of Principle. Chen Hongmou, argued for racial and sexual equality in the place of education. Wang Fuzhi, believed Confucius' teachings had become distorted, so wrote his own commentaires. Wang Yangming, idealist and leading figure of the School of Mind. Li Zhi, preached a form of moral relativism. Qian Dehong, further developed The Yangming School of Mind. Xu Ai, ardent follower of Wang Yangming. Huang Zongxi, one of the first Neo-Confucians to stress the need for constitutional law. Zhan Ruoshui, lifelong friend to Wang Yangming. Han Yu, precursor to Neo-Confucianism, essayist, and poet. Lu Jiuyuan, saw moral conduct as a consequence of intuitive insights into the essence of reality. Shao Yong, considered one of the most scholarly men of the time. Su Shi, accomplished Song Dynasty writer. Ye Shi, stressed practical learning and applying Confucian doctrine to real world problems. Zhang Zai, everything is composed of qi, and that fact explains everything. Lai Zhide, created the Taijitu. Li Ao Liu Zongzhou – considered the last master of Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism.
Islamic-Confucianism Wang Daiyu Liu Zhi Ma Zhu
Kaozheng Evidential Research Wang Fuzhi Gu Yanwu Yan Yuan Dai Zhen Duan Yucai Ji Xiaolan Zhang Xuecheng Ruan Yuan Kang Youwei Tan Sitong Hong Liangji
Philosophers that cannot be easily categorised Pan Pingge, criticised Neo-Confucianism, instead emphasized the search for truth in daily living. Dai Zhen, made two arguments against Neo-Confucianism. Fan Zhen, denied the ideas of reincarnation and body-soul dualism. Huan Tan Wang Chong Ma Rong Shen Kuo Ximen Bao
Modern philosophers Feng Youlan (Fung Yu-Lan), rationalist who integrated Neo-Confucian, Taoist, and Western metaphysics. Jin Yuelin, logical positivist and logician. Tu Weiming, ethicist. Xiong Shili Ma Yifu Mou Zongsan Tang Junyi Xu Fuguan Zhang Dongsun Carsun Chang (Zhang Junmai) Zhou Guoping Tsang Lap Chuen (曾立存)
Chinese Marxist Philosophy Mao Zedong Deng Xiaoping Wang Ruoshui Li Da Ai Siqi Chen Duxiu Qu Qiubai Xi Jinping Yang Xianzhen Yang Rongguo Zhang Shiying