 As far as we know, explicit metaphysical discussions began in China in the mid to late 4th century BCE with the Laozi (Daodejing) and associated texts. Before that, the two dominant philosophical movements were the Mohists and the Confucians (Ru). Both focused on political and ethical issues and showed little direct concern with metaphysical questions, but their discussions of the divine set the context for the emergence of metaphysical debates.