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History Questions

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HIST478

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Saint Paul University ( )

Question 1: Schools of Thought of the Zhou Dynasty The Zhou Dynasty was characterized by intense political rivalry that had interesting effects on Chinese society. The most interesting was the positive impact the period had on intellectual growth. “China entered one of its most creative periods...

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qin unification
the history of china
the school of thought of the zhou dynasty
the sui reunification of china

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History Questions

Question 1: Schools of Thought of the Zhou Dynasty

The Zhou Dynasty was characterized by intense political rivalry that had interesting

effects on Chinese society. The most interesting was the positive impact the period had on

intellectual growth. “China entered one of its most creative periods, when the ideas underlying

Confucianism, Daoist and Legalist traditions were developed” (Ebery and Walthall, p.20). As the

warring states became more and more advanced in warfare, they became reliant on the advice of

wise men from all over the country. Each state sought to have the wisest counsel possible

therefore encouraging diverse schools of thought.

The first school of thought is that has prevailed over the years is Confucianism which is

named after its founder Confucius. Most of the teachings are contained in analects recorded by

his followers. Like many other wise advisers, Confucius travelled through the states looking for a

leader to give counsel to. According to Ebery and Walthall, “To Confucius, the ultimate virtue

was ren a term that has been translated as humanity, perfect goodness, benevolence, human-

heartedness, and nobility” (p.27). Confucius greatly believed in the importance of relationships

and duty within the society with his teachings encouraging all to fulfill their roles with zeal. In

governance, he advised that a leader should use virtue and rituals to govern such that failure

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instills shame. He focused on ethics and emphasized the need for studying text rather than

focusing on the metaphysical. He envisioned an ideal society where the main virtues were ren,

xiao (filial piety), yi (integrity), zhong (loyalty/constancy), li (propriety), xin (honesty), and jing

(reverence) (Ebery and Walthall, p.26). Another important aspect of Confucianism is the focus

on rituals where these rituals are a means of disciplining one’s behavior and honoring tradition.

Confucius’ teachings were different in that they focused on the social interactions and behaviors

in the society and the importance of ritual.

Another important school of thought was Daoism which offered a completely opposite

theory to that of Confucius. The main teachings of Daoism are contained in the Laozi and

Zhuangzi. Daoists believed that in governance, it was more important for the government to stay

out of the private lives of individuals. “In the philosophy of the Laozi, the people would be better

off if they knew less, gave up tools, renounced writing, stopped envying their neighbors, and lost

their desire to travel or wage war” (Ebery and Walthall, p.30). Daoists did not believe in being

assertive; they encouraged silence and yielding as a way of life and governance. Daoists

promoted the free thought and believed that studying books was a waste of time. This school of

thought was attractive to those who opposed Confucianism particularly those who were more

creative and less formal.

The final crucial school of thought that developed Legalist school of thought whose main

proponent was Han Feizi. This school believed in the use of strict laws and guidelines as the only

successful means of governance possible (Ebery and Walthall, p.31). This directly contrasts the

Confucian belief that governance can achieved through virtuous behavior and the Daoist belief

that leaders should be govern through yielding and silence. Legalists believed that there was no

need for affection in relationships as every individual had their own selfish agendas. Strict and

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