SChools of thought in ancient china
CONfucianismConfucianism , one of the three major schools of thought, emerged in china as a method of restoration for an area in tumultuous chaos and decline. Revered as the "first teacher" of the Chinese, Confucius was born in 551 B.C . Although he assiduously aspired to be a political advisor, the lack of patronage stunted his success in this field. However, he continued to vocalize his beliefs , and he traveled around China persuading prominent leaders to adopt his teachings. Although few genuinely ruminated over his teachings, his ardent followers recorded his practices in the "Analects." Confucianism was a practice of ethical and political philosophy, not having any affiliation with religion as he denounced religious studies as unworthy of speculation. He claimed that it was much more productive to focus on order and harmony in the universe, a conviction that was very relevant to the genocidal turmoil transpiring in china. There are two primary ideas embedded in his school of thought:
1. Duty: -members of society were instructed to subordinate their needs to the broader needs of the family and community -he focused on five constant relationships, putting emphasis on elders being sovereign and loving and younger people being obsequious. He also accentuated the importances of a rulers filial nature and goodness complimented by the people's subservient obedience. -He also emphasized work ethic, exhorting each individual to work cohesively with society and to the best of his or her abilities. 2.Humanity: -He implored the people to uphold the nature of humanity through authentic compassion and empathy. He implemented the renowned golden rule: "treat others as you would want to be treated" |
DaoismThis ideology was founded by Laozi, or the old master, and its teaching were allegedly rival doctrines to those of confucianism . Although scholars have not verified that this man palpably existed, the Daoist teachings are comprehensively outlined in "The way of the Dao." Despite its explicit nature, scholars have argued over its meaning for years. In Daoism, to scrupulously follow the will of heaven,the best method of approach was INACTION rather than action. Not wanting to obstruct or interfere with the quintessential harmony of the world, they supported indolence.
Laozi said "The universe is sacred. You cannot improve it. If your try to change it, you will ruin it. If you try to hold it, you will lose it." |
LegalismTHE THIRD affluential philosophy in china was Legalism. Unlike the liberal and optimistic Confucianism and Laozi schools or thought, legalism denounced human beings as intrinsically evil. They had a fundamental principle of impersonal, unprejudiced, and unbiased laws. They felt that a strong leader was vital to facilitating societies restoration and attainment of order, etiquette, and decorum. They explained that rigorous laws and stringent punishments were necessary to bring obedience in the people. By severely berating the publics improprieties, society would learn to act virtuously. Overall, the government was not obligated to show compassion to the people. There solitary job is to harshly rebuke the populous.
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CHINSESE DYNASTies
Qin DynastyAfter the Zhou dynasties detrimental collapse, china was propelled into a state of barbaric civil war where states fought one another, and society odiously ignored the government. The qin state, lead by "Qin Shihuangdi," defeated all of its rivals arising as an empire in 246 B.c.An ambitious amateur, qin was avidly committed to uniting china, and his assiduous attempts to do so were seen when he created one universal currency and improved the infrastructure by renovating the roads. Practically exhibiting fundamental communism, qin reduced the powers of opulent aristocrats and liberally distributed their estates among the peasants. Also, the populous was taxed directly by the state. Another indispensable idea to qin was the construction of the great wall, theoretically protecting the northern frontiers from nefarious nomads called the "Xiongnu." The qin central government was composed of three primary divisions: censorate, military, and civil. Qin government officially adopted the stringent ideology of legalism. Upholding the contentious doctrine that people are inherently evil, the government took it upon themselves to strictly berate the people, and this strenuous discipline was so extreme that it allegedly justified their notorious acts of forced labor. Practicing censorship, implementing harsh taxes, and forcing citizens in labor were not popular among the acrimonious people. After the emperor died in 210 B.C., the dynasty was overthrown, ending the qin regime.
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Han DynastyComing to power after the period of internal conflict that was subsequent to the fall of the qin Dynasty, the Han dynasty was lead by Liu Pang, informally Ha Gaozu. He sagaciously abandoned the sadistic legalistic practices.He instead implemented Confucianist practices. However, Pang did recognized the the organizational stability that dividing the central government guaranteed, and so he,too, separated the government into three ministries. He also adopted the structural efficiency of having a local government that comprehensively divided the empire into providences and counties. he also perpetuated the Qins doctrine of rule by merit rather than aristocratical inheritance. To promote this belief, Pang facilitated the creation of the civil service examination through which ones works were scrupulously inspected to determine new appointments as officials. The population and land increased rapidly with the population escalating to approximately 60 million. The Han dynasty 's military success culminated in the addition of southern regions below the Chang Jiang into the empire and part of what is now northern vietnam. The han empire accentuated the importance of family as they emphasized family as the basic social unit, economic unit, and educational unit in ethical training. In Technologies and innovations, the Hans invented paper, iron casting, water mills, rudders and fore-and-aft rigging. Paper completely revolutionized mass communications and news circulation. Also, textile manufacturing and the vessel-related innovations drastically improved foreign trade, especially with the neighboring areas of central and southwest Asia. Despite the governments sovereignty, over a period of time, the Han empire began to plummet exponentially. With aristocrats exploiting their power, accumulating huge land estates and forcing free farmers to become tenants, the indignant peasants became disgruntled and rebelled against the noble families. With internal attack from the seditious peasants and invasion by the nomadic Xiongnus, the empire officially fell, and china was propelled into civil war.
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KEY TERMSCONfucianism: the system of political and ethical ideas formulated by the Chinese philosopher Confucius towards the end of the Zhou dynasty; it was intended to help restore order to a society that was in a state of confusion
DAOISM: A SYSTEM OF IDEAS BASED ON THE TEACHINGS OF LAOzi; teaches that the will of heaven is best followed through inaction so that nature is allowed to take its course. Legalism: a popular philosophy developed in China towards the end of the Zhou dynasty; it proposes that human beings are evil by nature and can be brought to the correct path only by harsh laws. Regime: a government in power censor ate: part of the Chinese bureaucracy that made sure government officials were doing their jobs Civil Service: the administrative service of a government, not including the armed forces, in which appointments are determined by competitive examination Martial: relating to, or suited for, war or a warrior IDEOLOGY: a set of beliefs Individuality: a total character that distinguishes an individual for others Philosophy:an organized system of though, from the Greek for "love of wisdom" Ethical: Conforming to accepted standards of conduct |
MAPS AND TIME PERIOD
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Citations:
http://slideplayer.com/slide/9022539/
https://www.allianzgi.com/insights/view-from-the-global-strategist/qa-how-will-brexit-affect-the-uk-and-eu
http://www.yoga-logos.ru/index.php/extensions/2016-04-20-20-11-34
https://www.emaze.com/@AOTFTRFC/Ancient-China
http://slideplayer.com/slide/9022539/
https://www.allianzgi.com/insights/view-from-the-global-strategist/qa-how-will-brexit-affect-the-uk-and-eu
http://www.yoga-logos.ru/index.php/extensions/2016-04-20-20-11-34
https://www.emaze.com/@AOTFTRFC/Ancient-China