Mencius is best known for his contributions to what philosophy?

Mencius is primarily known for his contributions to Confucianism, building upon and expanding the ideas of Confucius himself. He emphasized the innate goodness of human nature, advocating that people are born with a sense of compassion and moral potential, which can be nurtured through education and proper governance. This perspective contrasts with other philosophies, such as Legalism, which posits that strict laws and harsh punishments are necessary to maintain order, and Daoism, which focuses on living harmoniously with the natural world and the Dao, or the Way. Buddhism, originating in India, focuses on the path to enlightenment and does not align directly with Mencius' thoughts on morality and human nature. Therefore, Mencius' work is integral to Confucianism, where he emphasized morality, ethics, and benevolent governance.