neo confucianism 1

What did Mencius believe about human nature?

People are born with an innate tendency toward goodness and moral virtues that must be nurtured.

What metaphor did Mencius use to describe moral potential?

He described four natural beginnings: compassion, shame, propriety, and moral discernment.

What did Xunzi argue about human nature?

People are driven by selfish desires and require discipline and education to become moral.

How did Xunzi justify the need for learning?

He believed human improvement depends on deliberate effort and intellectual cultivation.

Why did Confucianism lose appeal during the Tang dynasty?

It focused too much on practical governance and failed to offer metaphysical explanations sought by scholars.

What drew intellectuals to Buddhism and Daoism in the Tang era?

They offered deeper insight into human existence and the nature of reality.

How did Wang Anshi view classical learning?

 He believed it could guide government reform and improve society.

What was Sima Guang’s approach to moral and political knowledge?

He used historical study to provide ethical guidance and prevent abuse of power.

How did Su Shi believe truth could be expressed?

Through personal creativity and emotional expression in literature and art.

What was Cheng Yi’s response to Buddhism and Daoism?

He argued that reality is knowable and that classical teachings contain metaphysical truths.

What is li in Neo-Confucian thought?

The underlying structure or principle that governs all things and defines moral order.

What is qi in Neo-Confucian thought?

The material and emotional force that gives form to things and expresses principle.

Why can people differ in wisdom or moral capacity?

Because their inner energy or clarity varies, even though principle is present in all.

How can a person become a sage according to Cheng Yi?

By cultivating their energy through introspection and studying moral patterns.

What method did Cheng Yi advocate for true learning?

A combination of quiet self-reflection and disciplined study of texts.

What style of teaching did Cheng Yi promote?

A dialogical method where students learned through recorded conversations with their teacher.