Philosophies of China Flashcards
What is Dao?
“The way”
How the universe functions harmoniously
What is Tian? (In Daoism)
The heaven or universe deity that has no personality
What is the ultimate concern in Daoism?
To harmonize with the universe
Can a person be partially in Dao?
No, a person is either in or out of Dao, there is no in between
What will happen if everyone is in harmony? (In Daoism)
The universe will be perfect
Can one escape Dao?
No. The Dao just exists, and the Dao is the only thing that exists, so there is nothing to be liberated to.
What are yin and yang?
The two energies that make up the universe that represent the balance of the universe
Where is the Dao found?
In nature, not society or civilization
What is the Daoist belief about death?
Death is a part of life and is natural and needs to be accepted, just like you have to accept all change
How does a person become one with the Dao?
Reject formal knowledge and learning
Rely on your instincts and sense
What is the ultimate concern for legalists?
To restore social order
How is the ultimate concern achieved in legalism?
Through a strong and efficient government with a large emphasis on punishment
What is the ultimate concern in Confucianism?
To bring order and live in harmony within society
How is the ultimate concern in Confucianism achieved?
Through people acting within their roles in society, and performing rituals
What is “li”?
Good conduct of rituals
Why are rituals important on Confucianism?
Rituals provide order
What is “ren” in Confucianism?
An outward display of virtue and sincerity
What happens when ren and li are combined in Confucianism?
It brings harmony, respect, and dignity
What did Confucius believe about bad people?
All people are good, and are only bad when they are forced to be
What are the key relationships? (Confucianism)
Ruler/ subject Older brother/ younger brother Father/ son Husband/ wife Friend/ friend
What is filial piety? (Confucianism)
Respect for your family, elders, and ancestors
What characteristics should all people have? (Confucianism)
Integrity, loyalty, generosity, and politeness
Confucius
Desired to restore order and moral living of earlier times to his society.
Believed that social order, harmony and good government could be restored in China if society were organized around 5 basic relationships
Most influential scholar in china
Confucianism
A philosophy based on accepted principles of right and wrong and was the foundation for Chinese government and social order
