Download Early Chinese Civilization (p

Early Chinese Civilization (p. 36 – 40)
Directions: Use this paper to take notes for each question while you read, then
answer each question using complete sentences on a separate piece of paper.
Shang Dynasty
How did early beliefs about supernatural forces and life after death affect people
during the Shang dynasty?
Zhou Dynasty
During the Zhou Dynasty, how did the “Mandate of Heaven” make sure the
people had good leaders and what are “dynastic cycles”?
Early Chinese Economy and the Family
What id “Filial Piety” and how is the importance of agriculture related to this
Chinese idea?
Early Chinese “ism’s” (pg110 – 113)
Confucianism
How might events in Confucius’ lifetime have led to him developing a philosophy
based on duty and humanity? What does Confucianism aim to do?
Daoism
What are the similarities and differences between Daoism and Confucianism?
Legalism
What does the philosophy of Legalism assume about human nature and how
might that affect the way a leader rules?
The 6th century B.C.E. was an amazing time of philosophical growth for ancient
China. It was during that time that the two most influential spiritual leaders
native to China, Confucius and Lao-tzu, are thought to have lived and taught.
The philosophies that they practiced, Daoism and Confucianism, existed
simultaneously in dynastic China, attracting countless numbers of followers over
the past 2,500 years. The fascination of both the Eastern and Western worlds with
these two legendary figures and the philosophies that they created remains
strong.
Daoism and Confucianism have lived together in China for well over 2,000 years.
Confucianism deals with social matters, while Daoism concerns itself with the
search for meaning. They share common beliefs about man, society, and the
universe, although these notions were around long before either philosophy.
Both began as philosophies, each later taking on religious overtones. Legend
states that Confucius and Lao-tzu did in fact meet to discuss the Imperial
Archives. Lao-tzu was unimpressed by the beautiful robes worn by Confucius,
and did not agree with looking back on the past. "Put away your polite airs and
your vain display of fine robes. The wise man does not display his treasures to
those he does not know. And he cannot learn justice from the Ancients."
Regardless of the disagreements between Lao-tzu and Confucius, both Daoism
and Confucianism have served as guides. They have led China through the
peaks and valleys of its vast history, the longest continuing story on the planet.
Legalism starts with the premise that human nature is evil. More specifically,
"evil" means that humans are by nature selfish and antisocial. They will always
do what is best for themselves in the short term. Individuals will behave in a way
that benefits the larger society only if they can be shown that such behavior is
also in their own personal self interest. By fully understanding and using this
fact, a ruler can build a powerful state. The ruler has in his hands--or should
have in his hands--the full coercive force of the state. He also controls substantial
wealth. He uses this coercive force and this wealth to manipulate the population
of his state through positive and negative reinforcement (to use contemporary
terminology). Reward behavior that benefits the state (and therefore the ruler);
punish that which does not.
Confucian say…
Daoist thoughts…
“Never impose on others what
you would not choose for
yourself.”
“Real knowledge is to know
the extent of one’s ignorance.”
"Those who know do not say;
those who say do not know." Lao-tzu
If you describe yourself as
“spiritual but not religious”...
you might be a Daoist.
“He who learns but does not
think, is lost. He who thinks
but does not learn is in great
danger.”
If you think that less
government is better... you
might be a Daoist. (Verse
57,58, 59 & 60)
“Everything has beauty, but not
everyone sees it.”
If you think that people should
spend less time worrying about
the meaning of life and more
time living it... you might be a
Daoist. (Verse 20, 46 & 48)
“Wheresoever you go, go with
all your heart.”
“He that would perfect his
work must first sharpen his
tools.”
“Our greatest glory is not in
never falling, but in getting up
every time we do.”
If you believe in living in the
moment, not dwelling on the
past, or worrying about the
future... you might be a
Daoist.
If you prefer to "go with the
flow", slipping like water
around all types of physical
and mental obstacles... you
might be a Daoist. (Verse 8)
Han Fei Tzu says…
It is dangerous for a ruler to
trust others. He who trusts others
can be manipulated by others.
Confucianism vs. Daoism vs.
Legalism
Imagine that you are living in China
in 550 BC. Everybody you know is
Indeed, customs differ
between the past and the present.
To try to govern the people of a
chaotic age with benevolence and
lenient measures is like to drive
wild horses without reins and
whips.
getting in to this new philosophical
… Rewards should not be
anything except great and certain.
This will make people regard
them as profitable.
do you think you would be more
Punishments should not be
anything but severe and definite.
This will make people fear them.
Laws should not be anything
but uniform and steadfast. This
will make people understand
them.
And so, if the ruler makes no
changes in bestowing rewards,
and grants no pardon in carrying
out punishments, but adds honor
to rewards and disgrace to
punishments, then both the
worthy and the unworthy will
exert their efforts.
fad. You want to know what
everyone is talking about, so you
research Confucianism, Legalism
and Daoism. After learning about
these new philosophies, which one
prone to follow? Why?
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