Mozi

Mozi established the Mohist school of philosophy, which directly challenged Confucianism. The school promoted universal love, meritocracy, and pacifism, and developed rigorous logical argumentation, attracting a large following during the Warring States period.

Mozi and his followers developed sophisticated defensive siegecraft and military strategy to protect small states from aggression. They wrote treatises on fortification and counter-siege techniques, which were later compiled in the Mozi text.

The core philosophical and technical writings of Mozi and his disciples were compiled into the Mozi text. This work contains the earliest known Chinese logical treatises, including discussions on geometry, optics, and mechanics, as well as ethical and political doctrines.