Final answer:
The two main philosophies from the Warring States Period are Confucianism, which focuses on ethics and social virtue, and Legalism, which emphasizes strict laws and state power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two main Chinese philosophies that emerged from the Warring States Period are Confucianism and Legalism. Aimed at creating social harmony and order in a time of chaos, these philosophies significantly impacted the structure of Chinese society and governance. Confucianism focused on ethics, civic virtue, and social duty, with the importance of hierarchy and filial piety at its core. Legalism, on the other hand, emphasized stringent laws and real-world practicability to maintain order, with a focus on state power.
Philosophers of the era, including Confucius and others, were driven by a desire to find solutions to the disharmony and conflict of the Warring States Period, looking at both moral standards and effective governance. While both Legalism and Confucianism encouraged the study of texts and societal issues, they differed in their approach to authority and rules as mechanisms for achieving a stable society. Confucianism remains integral to the cultural fabric of East Asia, influencing societies for over two millennia, while Legalism played a crucial role in the formation of the Qin dynasty.