Chinese Philosophy in the Western Zhou Era: Confucius, Han Fei Tzu, and the Mandate of Heaven

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering core terms and concepts from the lecture notes on Western Zhou, Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, and the political-religious ideas of the Mandate of Heaven.

Western Zhou period

Early Zhou dynasty era centered in the western territories; regarded as ancient China’s golden age and the source of foundational classical texts and worldviews.

Mandate of Heaven

Heaven’s approval for a ruler; Heaven desires righteous rulers and withdraws support from corrupt or inefficient ones, justifying dynastic change.

Son of Heaven (Tianzi)

The Chinese king, conceived as the earthly representative of Heaven and the link between Heaven and Earth.

Central Kingdom (Zhongguo)

The idea that China is the center of civilization and world trade—the civilization at the heart of the cosmos.

All Under Heaven (Tianxia)

A cosmological and political concept describing the realm ruled by the Chinese emperor and the order of the world under Heaven.

Wang Dao

The “Way of the King”; the king who rules by aligning with the Dao (the Way) rather than by force alone.

Book of Documents (Shujing)

Early collection of government records and history; one of Confucius’s referenced classics.

Book of Songs (Shijing)

Anthology of ancient Chinese poetry; used for moral education and cultural formation.

Book of Changes (I Ching)

Classic text of divination and cosmology; used to forecast events and interpret signs.

Daodejing (Tao Te Ching)

Foundational Daoist text attributed to Laozi, outlining the Dao (the Way) and wu-wei (effortless action).

Dao (Tao)

The Way or path; the fundamental order of the universe guiding natural harmony and proper conduct.

Daoism (Taoism)

Philosophical/religious tradition emphasizing living in harmony with the Dao; closely associated with the Daodejing.

Confucius (Kongzi)

Influential Chinese philosopher whose ideas shaped Confucian ethics, social virtue, and governance.

Hundred Schools of Thought

Era of diverse philosophical schools (Confucianism, Mohism, Daoism, Legalism, etc.) flourishing during and after the Spring and Autumn period.

Han Fei Tzu

Prominent Legalist philosopher from the State of Han; regarded as a key political scientist shaping centralized state theory.

Legalism

Political philosophy emphasizing strong centralized authority, clear laws, and strict enforcement to maintain order.

Shi (士)

Aristocratic class or “gentleman”; the educated elite who provided political advice and governance.

Spring and Autumn period

Early phase of the Zhou era marked by waning Zhou authority and rising regional powers and advisers.

Warring States period

Later, chaotic era (roughly 475–221 BCE) with numerous rival states, large armies, innovative warfare, and significant political thought.

Qi

One of the major rival states during the Warring States period; influential in regional politics and Confucian thought.

Qin

State that ultimately ends the Zhou dynasty and unifies China; the name gives the modern term ‘China’ and the notion of All Under Heaven.

Wei River

River in the Qin heartland; strategic geographic feature of the Qin state.

Crossbow

Innovative weapon introduced during the Warring States period that enhanced military power and siege capabilities.

Sun Tzu

Author of The Art of War; renowned military strategist whose ideas influenced Chinese and later global warfare theory.

Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan)

Imperial temple complex in Beijing where the winter solstice sacrifice to Heaven was performed for nearly 3,000 years (last in 1912).