Notes on State Definition, Song Dynasty, Confucianism, and Filial Piety

State Definition

• A state is a territory politically organized under a single government.

  • Examples: United States, Japan

Developments in Song China

• Song Dynasty: Ruled from 966 to 1279.

Power in Song China

• Confucianism:

  • Defined Chinese culture from its earliest days.

  • Neo-Confucianism:

    • Emerged during the Song Dynasty as a change from traditional Confucianism.

    • Sought to remove the influence of Buddhism from Confucian thought, which had significantly impacted it in previous centuries.

    • Main Tenets:

      • Hierarchical Society: Believed that human society is hierarchical by nature.

      • Prescribed Order: Advocated for a proper order in which:

        • Citizens submit to the state.

        • Women submit to men.

        • Juniors submit to elders.

        • Children submit to parents.

• Filial Piety:

  • Emphasized the importance and virtue of children obeying and honoring their parents, grandparents, and deceased ancestors.