Final answer:
Legalism was the philosophy central to Chinese government during the Warring States Era and Qin Unification, favored by rulers for its emphasis on law and order. Daoism encouraged 'nonaction' in politics, while Confucianism and Mohism offered distinct approaches to social harmony and ethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Chinese Philosophies
The philosophy at the center of Chinese government during different historical periods varied. However, during the Warring States Era and Qin Unification, the predominant philosophy that came to the center of Chinese government was Legalism. Confucianism may have appealed to Chinese rulers because it advocated for a social hierarchy and a set of moral values that aimed to maintain order and stability, which is crucial for governance. On the other hand, Mohism, with its emphasis on universal love and meritocracy, might have been seen as a challenge to the existing power structures and less suitable for maintaining the status quo.
The Chinese tradition from the Hundred Schools of Thought that encouraged "nonaction" as an important political concept was Daoism. Contrary to the proactive approach of Confucianism and the authoritarianism of Legalism, Daoism promoted flowing with the natural order of things and minimizing one's own interventions.
Mohism, Confucianism, and Daoism are all a part of the classic schools of thought that emerged from the Hundred Schools of Thought. All aimed at addressing the problems of social unrest and suffering, with their respective ethos guiding individual and state ethics. Confucianism favored a well-ordered society based on hierarchical relationships and traditional mores, while Mohism emphasized universal love and objective assessment. Legalism, as a stark contrast to both, adopted a more authoritarian and practical approach to governance. These philosophies collectively influenced the cultural, social, and political fabric of China during the axial age.