Mohism or Moism (Chinese:墨家; pinyin:Mòjiā; literally: "School of Mo") was a Chinese philosophy developed by the followers of Mozi (c. 470 BC–c. 391 BC). It evolved at about the same time as Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism, and was one of the four main philosophic schools from around 770–221 BC (during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods). During that time, Mohism was seen as a major rival to Confucianism. The administrative thought of Mohism was absorbed by Chinese Legalism and its books were later merged into the Taoist canon, all but disappearing as an independent school of thought.