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The term 'civitas' as used by Hobbes directly translates to 'interest'.
The term 'civitas' as used by Hobbes directly translates to 'interest'.
False
Hobbes describes the commonwealth as an artificial man with greater strength than a natural man.
Hobbes describes the commonwealth as an artificial man with greater strength than a natural man.
True
The term shakai 社会 refers to a physical entity rather than a community concept.
The term shakai 社会 refers to a physical entity rather than a community concept.
False
Thomas Hobbes wrote 'Leviathan' in 1601.
Thomas Hobbes wrote 'Leviathan' in 1601.
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The idea of forming one body is encapsulated in the term ittai o nasu 一体を成す.
The idea of forming one body is encapsulated in the term ittai o nasu 一体を成す.
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Fukuzawa Yukichi claimed that Japan had both a government and a populous nation.
Fukuzawa Yukichi claimed that Japan had both a government and a populous nation.
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According to Fukuzawa, the concept of civilization does not connect with the metaphor of a 'corporeal' body.
According to Fukuzawa, the concept of civilization does not connect with the metaphor of a 'corporeal' body.
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In 1875, Fukuzawa suggested that there was a disconnect between the Japanese populace and the concept of nationhood.
In 1875, Fukuzawa suggested that there was a disconnect between the Japanese populace and the concept of nationhood.
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The phrase 'common wealth' is synonymous with 'res publica'.
The phrase 'common wealth' is synonymous with 'res publica'.
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The term kokumin in 1872 referred solely to the government in Japan.
The term kokumin in 1872 referred solely to the government in Japan.
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Zhu Xi wrote about the term shehui 社会 in the context of family regulations.
Zhu Xi wrote about the term shehui 社会 in the context of family regulations.
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Fukuzawa was influenced by François Guizot's work on the concept of nationality.
Fukuzawa was influenced by François Guizot's work on the concept of nationality.
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Guizot argued that the population of France had a single, unified society during the late middle ages.
Guizot argued that the population of France had a single, unified society during the late middle ages.
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Fukuzawa believed that if an incident arose, almost the entire Japanese populace would be engaged in fighting.
Fukuzawa believed that if an incident arose, almost the entire Japanese populace would be engaged in fighting.
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The feudal character in France was said to prevail until the reign of the house of Valois.
The feudal character in France was said to prevail until the reign of the house of Valois.
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The concept of a French nation was well established by the late middle ages according to Guizot.
The concept of a French nation was well established by the late middle ages according to Guizot.
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Tenmu is recognized as the first ruler to officially sponsor Buddhism in Japan.
Tenmu is recognized as the first ruler to officially sponsor Buddhism in Japan.
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The title tennō refers to an ancient Japanese title meaning 'living god.'
The title tennō refers to an ancient Japanese title meaning 'living god.'
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The Taihō and Yōrō Codes were part of a series of law codes that established the hierarchical system in Japan.
The Taihō and Yōrō Codes were part of a series of law codes that established the hierarchical system in Japan.
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By 1200, all imperial tax land was converted into shōen estates.
By 1200, all imperial tax land was converted into shōen estates.
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The Kenmon System involved three large power blocs that functioned independently of each other.
The Kenmon System involved three large power blocs that functioned independently of each other.
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Military conscription in Japan became disintegrated beginning in the 9th century.
Military conscription in Japan became disintegrated beginning in the 9th century.
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The Fujiwara family played a minor role in the politics and culture of the Heian Court.
The Fujiwara family played a minor role in the politics and culture of the Heian Court.
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Shōen estates were obligated to pay public taxes.
Shōen estates were obligated to pay public taxes.
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The Taika Coup led to the decentralization of taxes and resources.
The Taika Coup led to the decentralization of taxes and resources.
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Nakatomi Kamatari was a leader of the Taika Coup and an ancestor of the Fujiwara clan.
Nakatomi Kamatari was a leader of the Taika Coup and an ancestor of the Fujiwara clan.
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The Nihon shoki states that ministers should not oppose the rule of the sovereign.
The Nihon shoki states that ministers should not oppose the rule of the sovereign.
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Emperor Tenji expanded the authority of the imperial line in response to the threat from the Tang-Silla alliance.
Emperor Tenji expanded the authority of the imperial line in response to the threat from the Tang-Silla alliance.
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The Ritsuryō system included a law code known as the Yōrō Code, which was established before the Taihō Code.
The Ritsuryō system included a law code known as the Yōrō Code, which was established before the Taihō Code.
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Emperors in this period were seen as living gods, with a significant connection to Buddhism.
Emperors in this period were seen as living gods, with a significant connection to Buddhism.
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Military conscription during the Ritsuryō state applied only to landowners.
Military conscription during the Ritsuryō state applied only to landowners.
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The first ruler to claim descent from the Sun Goddess was Emperor Tenji.
The first ruler to claim descent from the Sun Goddess was Emperor Tenji.
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Nobunaga had the authority to take measures against anyone without needing the shogun's approval.
Nobunaga had the authority to take measures against anyone without needing the shogun's approval.
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The concept of 'tenka' was only related to military control in Nobunaga's time.
The concept of 'tenka' was only related to military control in Nobunaga's time.
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'Kokka' is linked solely to Buddhist rituals in early Japan.
'Kokka' is linked solely to Buddhist rituals in early Japan.
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Fukuzawa's work derived the term 'civilization' from the concept of 'state' as indicated by the term 'civitas'.
Fukuzawa's work derived the term 'civilization' from the concept of 'state' as indicated by the term 'civitas'.
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The phrase 'social order' is associated with improving individual independence and lawlessness.
The phrase 'social order' is associated with improving individual independence and lawlessness.
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Tocqueville observed that the United States had significant inequality among its citizens.
Tocqueville observed that the United States had significant inequality among its citizens.
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The term 'society' in modern Japan encompasses various historical contexts like 'Tokugawa society'.
The term 'society' in modern Japan encompasses various historical contexts like 'Tokugawa society'.
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Fukuzawa translates the English 'nation' directly as 'kuni'.
Fukuzawa translates the English 'nation' directly as 'kuni'.
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Ikkō leagues were formed by communities seeking greater stability and unity at the cost of independence.
Ikkō leagues were formed by communities seeking greater stability and unity at the cost of independence.
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Oda Nobunaga was known for his benevolent treatment of his opponents and sacred places.
Oda Nobunaga was known for his benevolent treatment of his opponents and sacred places.
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The Ikkō ikki leagues were primarily composed of powerful samurai and wealthy merchants.
The Ikkō ikki leagues were primarily composed of powerful samurai and wealthy merchants.
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Oda Nobunaga utilized new firearms to gain an advantage over his rivals.
Oda Nobunaga utilized new firearms to gain an advantage over his rivals.
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The destruction of the Ishiyama Honganji temple was part of Oda Nobunaga's campaign against religiously inspired peasant warriors.
The destruction of the Ishiyama Honganji temple was part of Oda Nobunaga's campaign against religiously inspired peasant warriors.
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Ikkō leagues aimed to establish a new social order that guaranteed rights to land and profession.
Ikkō leagues aimed to establish a new social order that guaranteed rights to land and profession.
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Oda Nobunaga accepted court titles but did not return them afterwards.
Oda Nobunaga accepted court titles but did not return them afterwards.
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The term 'Tenka fubu' refers to Oda Nobunaga's goal to govern the realm through diplomacy.
The term 'Tenka fubu' refers to Oda Nobunaga's goal to govern the realm through diplomacy.
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Study Notes
Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835-1901)
- Key figure in the Meiji period, advocating for "civilization and enlightenment"
- Authored works like Seiyō jijō (Conditions in the West), Gakumon no susume (An Encouragement of Learning), and Bunmeiron no gairyaku (An Outline of a Theory of Civilization)
- Defined "civilization" as a process of societal development, contrasting it with barbarism
- Believed that the concept of civilization was tied to improved moral development and institutions
- Argued that "civilization", as derived from the Latin "Civitas", was similar to the concept of a nation
- Emphasized the importance of equal rights and citizen participation in developing a state and societal advancement
Chambers's Political Economy
- Explores the differences between a barbarian and civilized state
- Highlights that lower passions are more prevalent in a barbarian setting, and higher moral qualities develop in a civilization
- This contrast entails how women are treated, the power dynamic between father and child, and the relationships between the strong and the weak
- It suggests that civilized societies have mechanisms (institutions) to mitigate conflict and foster general good practices.
Samuel Smiles, Self-Help (1859)
- Emphasized the role of individual effort in the advancement of society and civilization
- Translated to Japanese in 1870 by Nakamura Masanao.
- Argued that civilization itself stemmed from individual improvement within society.
- Stressed the importance of personal character development for advancing society.
Nakamura Masanao (1870s)
- Confucian teacher and scholar in the 1860s
- Linked civilization to personal character formation.
- Suggested that to change the people's character was to improve culture and conduct.
The term "Bunmei Kaika"
- A core concept of the early Meiji period (1868-1912)
- Essentially translates to "Civilization and Enlightenment"
- Described a period of modernization, industrialization, and social transformation in Japan.
- Often linked to a desire to catch up with the West and adopt new technologies
The term "Ishi" 維新
- The term "Ishin" 維新 refers to the Meiji Restoration
- The term's precise meaning is connected to ideas of “renovation”, moral renewal, and renewal of national purpose.
Kokutai 国体
- It is a core concept central to national identity in pre-war and war-time Japan
- Often associated with the idea of a unified people who are loyal to a supreme authority such as the Emperor
- Meaning can be widely interpreted by context but is tied to a sense of national essence, identity, and the continuity of the Japanese imperial line.
- Is part of a concept of national policy that also incorporates concepts of cultural identity, as well as political ideologies.
John Stuart Mill on "Nationality" (1861)
- Mill's definition of "nationality" is based on shared sympathies, a unified desire to be under the same government, and wishing it to be a government of those of the same nationality, exclusively.
Fukuzawa Yukichi on "Kokutai"
- Defined the term kokutai in contrast to a "state" as one where people are organized and behave properly, and this leads to good governing.
- Fukuzawa linked kokutai to moral transformation in communities to build a unified nation with clear laws, and a collective identity to be part of a nation.
- Argued that Japan lacked the concept of a nation
Motoori Norinaga (1733-1800) on the Meaning of Kami 神
- A defining figure in Japanese Shinto studies
- Explored and outlined the meaning of Kami, including deities, spirits, natural phenomena, and anything awe-inspiring in Japanese culture and traditions
Terry Eagleton (2000) on the Idea of Culture
- Explored the concept of culture, exploring the concept's origins and meanings.
- Examined the etymological roots of the concept from nature to describe cultivation, to contemporary usage with ties to colonialism.
- Culture is a complex term that describes a set of ideas, values, practices, and institutions that shape how people behave, think and live, together
Raymond Williams's View of "Culture"
- Characterized "culture" as having two distinct senses
- Viewed one of the aspects of 'culture' as a way of life or a particular way of living, and another as a concept that denotes central values, practices and beliefs that influence how society functions within a specific region or community
Ruth Benedict (1946)
- Authored The Chrysanthemum and the Sword
- Focused on understanding the Japanese mindset in the context of WWII.
- Empasized the need to look at cultural behaviours and their nuances in order to fully understand a culture
Kokka国家 & Society 社会
- The words "Kokka 国家" (political state) and "Society 社会" were used together and distinctly at different points in Japanese history
- The term "Kokka" (political state) evolved to incorporate various aspects of social and ideological concepts within it
- The term "Society" was mostly used in political and social debates about different types of societies (e.g., early modern, Tokugawa, etc) and is central to modern Japanese political and social thought
The Period of Warring States (Sengoku 戦国)
- Period of political upheaval and conflict in Japan from the late 15th century to the late 16th century
- A period where regional warrior leaders (daimyo) challenged the existing order and established their own domains.
- Characterized by frequent conflicts between different daimyo, constant warfare, and the rise of new military tactics and strategies.
The Three Unifiers (San-yū 三勇士)
- Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa leyasu
- These three figures played a crucial role in bringing peace and unification to Japan, ending a period of protracted warfare and strife.
The Tokugawa Shogunate (Tokugawa bakufu)
- The military government of Japan (1603-1868)
- Consolidated power under the Tokugawa shoguns and created a relatively stable and peaceful period known as the Edo era
- Implemented various social, political and economic policies and regulations such as "Kōgi" and "Sankin kotai".
Other relevant entities
- Various foreign accounts of Japan from the 1570s and 1620s
- Significant figures such as Alessandro Valignano, Richard Cocks
- The Daimyo were regional warlords who held significant power in the Warring States period
- The term “kokka” (國家) developed throughout different periods of Japanese history
- The concepts of "kōgi" (公儀) and "Tenka" (天下) were used in different contexts
- The terms “han” (藩) and “shoen” (荘園) are linked to the distribution of land, tax, and resources during the Edo Period.
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Description
Explore the ideas of Thomas Hobbes and Fukuzawa Yukichi as they relate to political philosophy and social concepts in Japan. This quiz covers the translations of key terms and the historical context in which these thinkers operated. Test your knowledge on these influential figures and their definitions of civilization and government.
