Lecture 4 Confucianism Mohism Flashcards
What was the political legitimacy of the Shang kings based on?
The Shang kings’ legitimacy was based on blood lineage and performing rituals to Shang Di (the ‘Lord on High’), emphasizing spiritual power and virtue (de).
How did the ‘Mandate of Heaven’ transform political legitimacy during the Zhou Dynasty?
It shifted legitimacy from lineage to moral conduct, claiming Heaven would favor rulers who governed morally and revoke its mandate from the corrupt.
What challenges did the decline of the Zhou Dynasty create?
It led to social and political disorder, with rival states vying for power, and inspired philosophical reflections on governance and morality.
How did Confucius propose achieving happiness in life?
By cultivating moral virtue (ren), fostering harmonious relationships, and fulfilling one’s social roles, rather than focusing on supernatural or afterlife concerns.
What are the core virtues in Confucianism?
The core virtues include ren (benevolence), yi (righteousness), li (ritual propriety), zhi (wisdom), and xin (trustworthiness).
What does the Confucian concept of zhong and shu signify?
Zhong refers to dutifulness (honesty with oneself), while shu is about understanding and reciprocity, like treating others as you’d want to be treated in their roles.
How is filial piety (xiao) central to Confucian thought?
It teaches that respecting and caring for one’s family cultivates personal morality, which extends to society, as the family is the model for governance.
What role do rituals (li) play in moral cultivation?
Rituals guide internal moral development and aesthetic appreciation of values without coercion, promoting harmony and self-discipline.
How does Confucius differentiate between virtue-led governance and law-led governance?
Virtue-led governance inspires people to act morally through example, while law-led governance enforces behavior through fear of punishment.
What does the Mohist principle of ‘universal consequentialism’ entail?
Actions are judged right if they promote objective benefits such as wealth, populousness, and social order, as guided by Heaven’s impartial will.
How does Mohism’s concept of impartial caring challenge Confucian differentiated care?
Mohism advocates equal concern for all people, while Confucianism supports ‘graded love,’ prioritizing family and close relationships over strangers.
What is the practicality argument against Mohist impartiality?
Confucians argue human nature favors stronger emotional bonds with relatives, while Mohists believe human behavior can be shaped towards impartiality through rewards and punishments.
How does Mohism propose resolving the chaos of the state of nature?
By appointing a wise, benevolent ruler (‘Son of Heaven’) to unify moral norms, elevate the worthy, and punish the wicked, ensuring societal harmony.
What criticisms do Mohists levy against Confucian rituals?
Mohists argue rituals are overly elaborate, wasteful, and socially divisive, advocating for frugality and practical utility instead.
How does Mengzi (Mencius) view human nature, and how does this inform his political theory?
Mengzi believes human nature is inherently good, with innate ‘sprouts’ of virtue that need cultivation through benevolent governance and meeting basic needs.
