Code of Hammurabi, Confucianism, and Legalism Flashcards
Where did Hammurabi rule? When? What empire?
18th century BCE Mesopotamia
Babylonian Empire
What ruling system did Hammurabi use?
The Code of Hammurabi
What type of government (like how did people come into power) did Hammurabi run?
Dynastic monarch (single ruler, power is passed down through families)
What conflict was going on during Hammurabi’s time?
Neighboring city-states were fighting over control of the Euphrates River
How did Hammurabi attempt to solve the conflicts that were occuring?
Conquered the other city-states and attempted to unify them, creating the Babylonian Empire
Define empire
Once independent states brought under a single authority by force
What is the Code of Hammurabi?
Hammurabi’s legal code, one of the oldest in the world
What was the goal of the Code of Hammurabi?
Decrease violence and unify the empire
Where was the Code of Hammurabi displayed?
On steles that were placed in the town centers of conquered city-states
What saying comes from the Code of Hammurabi?
“Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth”
What does the Code of Hammurabi rely heavily on? What was this meant to cause?
Capital punishment/death penalty
Deterrence (people were less likely to commit the crime if they were too scared of the possible punishment)
What are some important features of the the Code of Hammurabi?
Patriarchal
Classist
Non-egalitarian
Code of Hammurabi SPRITE?
Social - many laws about how slaves should treat their masters and vice versa and how women should act in relationships with men
Political - many laws about how trials must be carried out and things that people involved in the trial (e.g. witnesses, judges, and prosecutors) cannot do; also laws about basic crimes, such as theft and kidnapping
Religious - laws about not stealing from a temple
Technological - laws about ox goring vs habitual ox goring
Economics - many laws about how transactions, land rentals, loans, medical/surgical bills, and accidents caused by poor construction must be handled
Where did Confucius rule? When? What dynasty?
China
Warring States Period (5th-3rd centuries BCE)
Zhou Dynasty
Who was Confucious?
A popular tutor whose followers collected his teachings into ‘The Analects’
What was the Warring States Period?
The period of Chinese history when the Zhou Dynasty became weaker, new dynasties fought for control, and new ideologies arose
Define ideology. What is it not?
A system of beliefs or ideas (not a religion)
What ideologies arose at this time?
Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism
What ruling system did Confucius use?
Confucianism
What was the Chinese government during Confucius’ time?
Dynastic monarchy
What was the Chinese economic and political system during Confucius’ time?
Feudalism (hierarchal system based on the exchange of land and loyalty)
What is the Mandate of Heaven?
The idea that a corrupt or ineffective government would lead to upheaval, such as natural disasters or riots, which meant that the gods were unhappy with the current ruler, and that ruler would be removed from power and replaced
What is a dynastic cycle?
The cyclical rise and fall of different governing dynasties based on the approval of the gods
What did Confucianism focus on?
Relationships
What type of relationships did Confucianism focus on? Examples?
Unequal relationships
1. Father and son
2. Husband and wife
3. Older and younger brothers
4. Ruler and subject
How did Confucius think people should react to their roles in society?
Accept their roles and the amount of power it gives them, but be respectful
“Superiors” should act with benevolence and concern for their inferiors, and “inferiors” should act wit deference and respect to their superiors
Why did Confucius think women should be educated?
To learn to be quiet (seen not heard) and to serve their husband
What are some important features of Confucianism?
Patriarchal
Classist
Non-egalitarian
In the eyes of Confucius, what are the characteristics of a person who has virtue or wisdom?
Benevolence, kindness, charity, caring for those below them
Confucianism SPRITE?
Social - unequal relationships between people
Political - leaders must be benevolent and kind, while their followers must be respectful and obedient
Religious - n/a
Technological - n/a
Economics - only good people should have riches and power, and poverty should be put upon evil people
What are three examples of Confucius’ thoughts of government?
- Laws don’t work and society should be led by virtue
- Only good/kind people should be rulers, and crooked people should be set aside
- If rulers are kind to the people beneath them, those people under their rule will be kind and virtuous
Whose approach to government was called Legalism?
Han Fei
What did believers of ‘Legalism’ think was required for an effective government?
The use of many strong laws
What are the “two handles” of Legalism?
Chastisement (punishment) and commendation (rewards)
To whom does Han Fei believe his measures should apply?
Everyone. He believes that powerful people shouldn’t be exempt from punishment just because of his status, and nor should common people be unfairly punished or denied rewards for their actions
What view of human nature supports Han Fei’s beliefs?
People fear punishment but love rewards, so they will do good things to earn rewards and avoid the punishments
What is meritocracy?
The belief in the advancement of people due to their skills and ability, not because of who their parents are
What are some important features of Legalism?
Patriarchal
Not classist
Egalitarian
Legalism SPRITE?
Social - people must act in a good manner both privately and in public, and the only way to uphold this is through the law
Political - rulers must create strong laws that apply to everyone
Religious - n/a
Technological - n/a
Economics - people will be rewarded for good behavior and punished for bad
