china

Question 1

What historical period influenced the development of Confucianism and Mohism?

Answer 1

The decline of the Zhou Dynasty, the Spring and Autumn Period (722–481 BCE), and the Warring States Period (453–221 BCE) during times of social upheaval.

Question 2

What was the Shang Dynasty’s (1751-1122 BCE) basis for political legitimacy?

Answer 2

The Shang kings worshipped Shang Di(“Lord on High”) and relied on blood lineage and ritual performance for legitimacy.

Question 3

What shift occurred in the Zhou Dynasty’s (1122 BCE) view of political legitimacy?

Answer 3

The Zhou Dynasty introduced theMandate of Heaven (天命), emphasizing moral conduct and disposition over blood lineage for legitimacy.

Question 4

Who was Confucius (Kongzi), and when did he live?

Answer 4

Confucius (551-479 BCE), a scholar-official and ritual specialist from the state of Lu, became a teacher after political service.

Question 5

What is the main text associated with Confucius, and what does it cover?

Answer 5

TheAnalects (Lúnyǔ 論語), which records Confucius’s dialogues on ethics, governance, and ritual.

Question 6

What is the Confucian concept of the Junzi (君子)?

Answer 6

TheJunzi is the “gentleman” who strives for ethical cultivation, contrasted with the petty person (xiao ren 小人).

Question 7

What is the Confucian highest moral ideal, and what does it emphasize?

Answer 7

Ren (仁):Benevolence (liefdadigheid), a relational virtue focused on caring for others’ self-cultivation.

Question 8

What other virtues does Confucianism emphasize?

Answer 8

Righteousness (yi 義), ritual propriety (li 禮), wisdom (zhi 智), and trustworthiness (xin 信).

Question 9

What is Confucius’s version of the Golden Rule?

Answer 9

“Treat others as you would have others treat you if you had the same social role as they.”

Question 10

How does Confucianism view family and filial piety?

Answer 10

The family is central for moral education, and filial piety(respect for elders) is the root of goodness and societal order.

Question 11

What is the role of ritual (li 禮) in Confucianism?

Answer 11

Rituals maintain genuine communities, restrain improper emotions, and internalize moral values without relying on punishment.

Question 12

What is Confucius’s view on governance?

Answer 12

A moral society arises from humanness (ren) and rituals, with rulers governing through virtue and exemplary conduct rather than force.

Question 13

Who was Master Mo (Mozi), and when did he live?

Answer 13

Master Mo (c. 5th century BCE), also known as Mo Di (墨翟), founded Mohism during the Warring States period.

Question 14

What is Mohist universal consequentialism?

Answer 14

A principle where actions are judged based on their objective benefits, guided by the impartial authority ofHeaven (天).

Question 15

What are key Mohist doctrines?

Answer 15

Impartial caring, promoting the worthy, condemning aggression, and advocating for frugality (e.g., opposing music).

Question 16

How does Mohism’s impartial caring differ from Confucian graded love?

Answer 16

Mohists argue for caring equally for all, while Confucians advocate differentiated care based on relationships.

Question 17

What is the Mohist caretaker argument?

Answer 17

It posits that impartial caregivers are preferable, as they provide equal care regardless of personal connections.

Question 18

How do Mohists address the practicality of impartial care?

Answer 18

By emphasizing human nature’s malleability, shaped through rewards and punishments.

Question 19

What is the Mohist political theory of theSon of Heaven (天子)?

Answer 19

A wise and benevolent ruler provides moral education and enforces standards to prevent violence and chaos in a state of nature.

Question 20

Who was Mencius (Mengzi), and how is he significant to Confucianism?

Answer 20

Mencius (371-289 BCE), the “Second Great Sage” of Confucianism, advocated for a benevolent government and believed in the innate goodness of human nature.

Question 21

What did Mencius believe about human nature?

Answer 21

Human nature is inherently good, containing innate “sprouts” or dispositions towards virtue.

Question 22

How does Mencius differ in approach from earlier Confucians?

Answer 22

He was more pragmatic, addressing fiscal systems, pay rates, and land use to promote governance.

Question 23

What are the key differences between Confucianism and Mohism?

Answer 23

Confucianism emphasizes graded love and rituals, while Mohism advocates for impartial caring and frugality.

Question 24

How do Confucianism and Mohism interpret the Mandate of Heaven?

Answer 24

Confucians focus on rulers’ moral cultivation, while Mohists emphasize the absolute authority of the Son of Heaven to enforce order.

Question 25

What critical terms are central to Confucianism?

Answer 25

Ren (仁), Li (禮), Junzi (君子), Zhong (忠), Shu (恕), Filial Piety, and Tian (天).

Question 26

What critical terms are central to Mohism?

Answer 26

Impartial Caring, Universal Consequentialism, and Son of Heaven (天子).

Question 27

What role does the concept of Tian (Heaven) play in both philosophies?

Answer 27

In Confucianism, Tian inspires moral cultivation, while in Mohism, Tian provides an objective standard of benefit and impartiality.