Ancient China: 6th Century BCE

Questions and Answers

What was the state of China during the 6th century BCE?

In the midst of a great period of turmoil (correct)

Unified and peaceful

Under the control of a single powerful ruler

Experiencing a golden age of prosperity

What was the social background of Confucius?

A noble family

A family of wealthy merchants

A peasant family

A family of minor officials (correct)

What is the central idea of Confucianism?

That the goal of life is to seek personal wealth and power

That people are naturally good and can be educated to be better (correct)

That the ruler has absolute power and authority

That people are naturally evil and need to be controlled

What is the concept of the 'Mandate of Heaven' in Confucianism?

The moral high ground to rule, granted by meeting social and moral requirements Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with developing the philosophy of Taoism?

Laozi Signup and view all the answers

What is the central concern of Taoism?

Understanding the concept of Tao, or 'the way' Signup and view all the answers

What was the appeal of Confucianism to peasants and masters during the Warring States period?

It acknowledged the importance of social hierarchy and relationships Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to express the Tao in words?

Because words would limit the Tao's meaning Signup and view all the answers

What is the yin-yang symbol used to represent in Taoism?

The balance of contradictory forces in the natural world Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Confucianism?

Living in a series of relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Confucianism and Taoism?

Confucianism is more focused on relationships than Taoism Signup and view all the answers

Why did many Chinese people follow both Confucianism and Taoism?

Because they wanted to experience the benefits of both philosophies Signup and view all the answers

What is the analogy used to describe the relationship between Confucianism and Taoism?

The chicken and the egg Signup and view all the answers

How did many Chinese people approach their daily lives in terms of Confucianism and Taoism?

They applied Confucian principles to their work lives and Taoist philosophy to their personal lives Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind Taoism's concept of nature?

Nature is in a state of balance and harmony Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

China in the 6th Century BCE

The 6th century BCE was a period of turmoil in China, with no single power uniting the country for over 200 years.
The Zhou dynasty had nominal power during the Spring and Autumn period, but war and chaos consumed the countryside during the Warring States period.

Confucianism

Confucius was born in the 6th century BCE to a humble family of minor officials.
Confucianism is based on the ideals that:
- People are naturally good.
- Education helps people remain good and avoid evil.
- Relationships between people keep society functioning at its best levels.
According to Confucius, if these requirements are met, society would be just and the ruler would have the Mandate of Heaven (moral high ground to rule).

Taoism

Laozi was instrumental in writing about Taoism, which is concerned with understanding the Tao (the way that makes up everything in the world).
The Tao is:
- Unable to be expressed in words, as it would limit the Tao.
- Everywhere and makes up everything.
Important to Taoism is the idea of balance in nature, symbolized by the yin-yang symbol.

Two Philosophies in Harmony

Confucianism and Taoism worked well together, despite their differences.
Confucianism valued living in relationships to achieve harmony with nature, while Taoism focused on finding balance with nature to ensure good relationships.
Many Chinese applied Confucian principles to their work lives and Taoist philosophy at home, combining both ideals to achieve harmony and balance.