Chapter 7 Ancient China Section 2 Flashcards
a person of high rank who owned land but owed loyalty to his king
lord
a farmer with a small farm
peasant
Chinese philosopher who was the most influential teacher in Chinese history. His teachings focused on morality, family, society, and government
Confucius
moral values
ethics
a philosophy based on the ideas of Confucius that focuses on morality, family order, social harmony, and government
Confucianism
a philosophy that developed in China and stressed the belief that one should live in harmony with the Dao, the guiding force of all reality
Daoism
Chinese philosopher who was the most famous Daoist teacher. He is credited with writing The Way and Its Power, Daoism’s basic text.
Laozi
the Chinese belief that people were bad by nature and needed to be controlled.
Legalism
How did the Zhou’s decline affect Chinese society?
After the defeat of the Zhou king, China entered an era called the Warring States period when the lords began to fight each other.
What did Confucius believe about good behavior?
Confucius believed that when people behaved well and acted morally, they were simply carrying out what heaven expected of them.
How did Daoism and Legalism differ in their theories about government?
Daoists believed the ideal ruler was a wise man who was in harmony with the Dao. He would govern so effortlessly that his people would not even know they were being governed.
Legalism was a political philosophy without religious concerns. It felt that society needed strict laws to keep people in line and that punishments should fit the crimes.
The 4 main ideas of Confucianism
People should be respectful and loyal to their family members.
Leaders should be kind and lead by example.
Learning is a process that never ends.
Heaven expects people to behave well and act morally.
