chapter 8 (China) Flashcards
the analects
a work that had profoundly influenced chinease political and cultural traditions. had Confucius’ sayings in it. written by his pupils
sima qian
official astrologer and historian at the court of the Han dynasty in Chang’an. high prominence in imperial court
junzi (ren and li)
REN: attitude of kindness and benevolence or sense of humanity
LI: sense of propriety, which cause individuals to behave in conventionally appropriate fashion
filial piety (xiao)
taught that children should obey and honor their parents as well as their superiors/political authorities
dao
central concept of Daoism meaning “the way” or “the way of the cosmos” or “the way of nature”. living in harmony with dao meant disengagement in the world of politics and administration
Mencius
spokesman for Confucius school. Believed in ren. also scholar of Confucius school
Xunzi
Served as government administrator. Believed that humans selfishly persue their own interest. Strong social discipline=best way to bring order to society
Daoism
Developed in the late Zhou dynasty/period of the warring states. Reflection. And introspection. Critics of Confucianism.
Laozi
Founder of daoism. Wrote the daodejing
Daodejing
(Classical way of virtue). Basic exposition of daoism beliefs traditionally ascribed to laozi. Book that acquired it’s definite form over several centuries.
Wuwei
Disengagement from the competitive exertions and active involvement in affairs of the world. Called for individuals to live simply, unpretentiously, and in harmony with nature.
Legalism
Promoted a practical ms ruthlessly efficient approach to statecraft. Devoted attention exclusively to the state, which they sought to strengthen/expand at all costs
Liu Bang & Han Wudi
LIU BANG: (crude character with large appetite for strong drink) restored order throughout china and established himself as head of new dynasty
HAN WUDI: Han dynasty’s greatest/most energetic emperor “martial emperor”. Pursued administrative centralization & imperial expansion
