Nikolas Zazula

Whap 6th Hour

11/7/14
Chapter 7 Analysis Questions
2. What were the three most prominent philosophies of rule in the Chinese Empire? They
seem to have been applied under different circumstances. Under what circumstances do you
think each was most appropriate? Why?
For the majority of its history, Confucianism was the official philosophical foundation of ancient
Chinese society. Largely introduced in the during the Han dynasty, this perspective on the ethical
and political structure of Chinese society and the values of its people came to dominate ancient
Chinese culture and influence the actions of everyday individuals, and the respect and integrity
these people had for one another. In a society where the importance of Humanism and
Rationalism were neglected, and the fundamentality of education was forgotten, China was
reduced to social chaos. Confucius ideals focused on the importance of the immediate society
and the family, rather than on a transcendent divine. The concepts of self-cultivation and selfcreation were prominent in the beliefs of Confucianism, and the place of an individual in society
was determined by their own beliefs and actions. With a central focus on the aspects of peace and
virtue, government leaders were encouraged to act in the best interests of their people by
encouraging harmony between their people, and contemplating the importance of their society
before their personal desires. (pg 208-209)
Prominent during the Qin dynasty, Legalism is a Chinese philosophy that emphasizes the need for
order above all other human concerns. Legalists believed that government could only achieve its
maximum efficiency if rulers were not deceived by impossible ideals such as "tradition" and
"humanity." In the view of the Legalists, attempts to improve the human situation by noble
example, education, and ethical precepts were useless. Legalists believed that humans were

inherently evil and inclined toward selfish behavior. Thus, if humans are allowed to engage in
their natural proclivities, the result will be conflict and social disorder. The people of this unstable
society were in need of a strong government and a carefully devised code of law. Through the use
of a strict policing force, morals were taught through habituation and harsh punishment. During
the reign of Qin Shi Huangdi, the ideals of Legalism were used to transform and place into order
a chaotic society. (pg 211)
Daoism is a religious belief in following a natural order, and advocated a high regard for nature
and the cosmos. The belief revolved around the Chinese philosopher Laozi and his writing, the
Dao De Jing. Daoists rejected an emphasis on sophisticated learning and the ideas of
Confucianism, believing that simplicity and a spiritual connection with nature was much more
powerful. Daoists dedicated themselves to following a natural path, and believed that little or no
government was necessary, and that there was beauty and peace in their immediate surroundings.
Daoism can be viewed as somewhat of a rejection of Confucian principles, though it was more
centered on the concept of finding spiritual order within oneself through a connection with nature
and the world around oneself. It provided a sense of spirituality and respect for ones
environment, without the need for a possibly violent, controlling and tyrannical government. (pg
211-213)
4. Compare the policies of the Tang dynasty to those of the Han. You might consider the
Geographical extent of the empire under these dynasties, their administrative mechanisms,
philosophies of government, and international relations.
There are many aspects to these civilizations that are drastically different, such as their social
structure. The similar beginnings of these societies led to the formation of two varying time
periods. Both dynasties were ruled by a single emperor, and preceded a previous empire. This
allowed these societies to be able to build off their foundations. By not completely changing the
structure of government and policies, both dynasties were able to build off of the strengths that

were effects of previous policies. However, the Han outwardly favored the concepts of
Confucianism, as shown through the construction of their society and the strong emphasis on the
importance of education. However, many Legalist ideas were involved in the distribution of
justice and political affairs. In the Han Dynasty, Daoism was practiced in private life, while the
principles of Confucianism were utilized in the construction of their society, and the fundamental
concepts of social interaction and education. The Tang government didn't seem dedicated to a
certain philosophical belief, and concepts of all three of the ideas of Legalism, Confucianism and
Daoism were utilized in various ways. Of course the people of the Tang still shared many similar
Confucian beliefs with the people of the Han, but the Tang government didn't seem to favor any
philosophy. The Tang government was able to incorporate several different ideas and concepts
from many different philosophical ideas, creating a more diverse and well-rounded environment
for its people. (pg 215-229)
To Summarize
In Ancient China, the founding of three forms of philosophical belief that drastically differed
from one another created diverse environments for the people of ancient china. The economical,
social and political influences that these concepts had on the establishment of these dynasties led
to the drastically different outcomes that the Han and the Tang dynasties had. Religion is shown
throughout history to be a powerful influence in the minds and the structure of a society, and has
profound effects on the lifespan of a civilization.