Qin Dynasty, Confucianism, and Legalism Flashcards
(44 cards)
Q: Who was Confucius and when did he live?
A: Confucius was a teacher and philosopher who lived in eastern China from 551 to 479 BCE, during the Warring States period.
Q: What was happening in China during Confucius’s life?
A: China was in chaos, with constant warfare between states and a collapse of moral order.
Q: Which state did Confucius live in, and where is it located today?
A: The state of Lu, now located in Shandong Province.
Q: According to Confucius, what caused the constant warfare in China?
A: The lack of morality and ethical behavior among people and rulers.
Q: Why did Confucius believe rulers and officials needed to act with honesty and fairness?
A: To restore the people’s faith in government and re-establish order in China.
Q: How did Confucius believe peace and order could be restored to China?
A: If people acted according to their roles and rulers acted with integrity.
Q: What book contains Confucius’s teachings?
A: The Analects, compiled by his students after his death.
Q: What are the five key relationships in Confucianism?
A: 1. Ruler and subject. 2. Father and son. 3. Husband and wife. 4. Older and younger siblings. 5. Friend and friend (the only equal one).
Q: What does it mean that four of the five Confucian relationships are hierarchical?
A: One person has more power, but both have responsibilities; the superior should care for and guide the inferior.
Q: What did Confucius believe about the roles of men and women?
A: Men had more power; women were expected to be subordinate.
Q: What qualities did Confucius believe people in power should demonstrate?
A: Integrity, wisdom, fairness, and moral leadership.
Q: Why did Confucius think family roles were important?
A: Family structure taught respect, responsibility, and helped maintain order in society.
Q: What is autonomy?
A: Responsibility for oneself.
Q: What is beneficence?
A: Doing good for others.
Q: What is non-maleficence?
A: The principle of doing no harm.
Q: What is justice in Confucian ethics?
A: Fairness and respect for all individuals.
Q: How did the Han Dynasty use Confucianism to improve government?
A: They based the bureaucracy on merit and created civil service exams based on Confucian teachings.
Q: How were officials chosen in the Han Dynasty?
A: By performance on civil service exams, not family status.
Q: Why didn’t Confucius’s ideas impact government during his life?
A: He never held high office and rulers ignored his teachings.
Q: What was the purpose of the civil service exam?
A: To select the most qualified officials based on Confucian values.
Q: When did Qin unify China?
A: In 221 BCE, after defeating rival kingdoms during the Warring States period.
Q: What does “Qin Shi Huang Di” mean?
A: “First Sovereign Emperor of Qin.”
Q: Who was Qin Shi Huang Di?
A: The First Emperor of a unified China and founder of the Qin Dynasty.
Q: How did Qin Shi Huang maintain power?
A: Through Legalism—strict laws, harsh punishments, centralized control.
