Download The Classics: Chinese Civilization

The Classics: Chinese Civilization
“The Teachings of Confucius”
Confucius (ca. 551)
• Born during a time when
China was plagued by
division, chaos, warfare
• Scholar; hoped to advise a
ruler
• Wandered to courts
talking to rulers about
how to govern
• Became a teacher
• “The Analects:” collection
of his sayings/beliefs
“The Teachings of Confucius”
1. “While you do not know about
life, how can you know about
death?”
2. “Lead the people by laws and regulate
them by punishments, and the people will
simply try to keep out of jail, and the will
have no sense of shame. Lead the people
by virtue, and they will have a sense of
shame and become good.”
The Teachings of Confucius
• Little interest in religious matters; interested in
worldly goals
1. How do we ensure social order?
2. What is good government?
• All people have responsibility according to status
1. Correct behavior leads to order/stability
2. Harmony results when people accept their place
in society
3. Rulers must rule by example
–
People are naturally good; what makes us different is
education
The Five Relationships
(governing social life)
1. FATHER
2. ELDER BRO
3. HUSBAND
4. RULER
5. FRIEND
SON
YOUNGER BRO
WIFE
SUBJECT
FRIEND
Do Now:
If you dropped an envelope in the
hallway with $100 inside, and
your name was in big letters on
the outside, would it be returned
to the office/given back to you
directly? (or would you never get
it?!)
“Crime Keeps on Falling,
but Prisons Keep on Filling”
1. What PROBLEMS does this article address?
2. How would a Confucianist respond to the
problems outlined in the article?
3. How would a legalist respond to the problems
outlined in the article?
4. What is your response to the problems in the
article?
– What should society do with law-breakers?
Why?
– Explain and defend your answer!
Do Now:
What is the difference between
to “conquer” and to “govern?”
Do Now: write the following questions in your
notes!
1. List THREE reasons why the Great Wall was created?
2. Who created the Great Wall? What was his role in Chinese
history?
3. List three accomplishments of the 1st Emperor?
4. How will the 1st Emperor be remembered in world history?
(i.e. what is his legacy?)
Great Wall
Shi Huangdi ~ Emperor Qin
• Unites China; 1st Emperor
– Centralizes power
• Legalist
• Achievements:
– Standardizes weights &
measures, writing
– Public Works; repairs
roads
– GREAT WALL
Han Dynasty
1. Describe the era of the Han dynasty.
(provide a minimum of 3 characteristics)
2. What was China’s most important
source of income?
3. What was the Silk Road? How did the
Silk Road impact China?
4. Why was Buddhism appealing to the
Chinese?