10_3_ Chinese Phils.-combined

Class Notes on Chinese Philosophies and Classical India

  • Bellringer

  • Any Questions?

  • Quick Notes: Chinese Philosophies

  • Document Activity: Understanding Chinese Philosophies through Document Analysis

Page 2: Recap of Ancient China

  • Video Recap

    • Focus on the type of government that develops in China.

    • Relation of the Mandate of Heaven to government.

Page 3: Emergence of Philosophies

  • Period of Warring States

    • Post-Zhou Dynasty.

    • Philosophies emerged as solutions to restore order.

    • Key Philosophies:

      1. Confucianism

      2. Legalism

      3. Daoism/Taoism

Page 4-5: Confucianism

  • Foundation

    • Based on Confucian ideas; significant text: Analects.

    • Practical and unemotional philosophy.

  • Major Ideas:

    • Human relationships are key to social and political harmony.

    • Importance of education (civil service exam).

    • Ethical leaders are essential for effective governance.

    • Core values:

      • Ren (kindness, respect)

      • Li (propriety)

      • Xiao (filial piety)

Page 6: Legalism

  • Founders

    • Early scholars: Shang Yang, Han Feizi.

    • Favored by the Qin Dynasty.

  • Major Ideas:

    • Emphasis on strict laws and order.

    • Rulers focus on power rather than being role models.

    • Harsh punishments for crimes.

    • Less emphasis on education; viewed as a potential threat.

Page 7-8: Daoism

  • Founder

    • Laozi.

  • Major Ideas:

    • Emphasis on natural order and balance (yin/yang).

    • Reflection and introspection over action.

    • Anti-politics and formal education.

    • Seek peace through detachment from personal striving.

Page 14-15: Document Analysis Activity

  • Activity Overview

    • Analyze documents related to the three Chinese philosophies.

    • Sample document analysis to be conducted as a class.

    • Access documents in the “Unit 2 Activities” folder on Schoology.

Page 17: Class Activities

  • Tasks for Class:

    • Respond to practice SAQ prompt in Google Doc.

    • Begin reading about the Qin/Han dynasties if time permits.

    • Prepare for a quiz next class.

Page 18-19: Introduction to Classical India

  • Unit Overview

    • Focus on Classical India and China.

    • Homework: Familiarize with Unit 2 Schedule and assessment dates.

Page 20-22: Hinduism

  • Origins and Development

    • Emerged from a blend of Vedic and indigenous beliefs.

    • Polytheistic with important texts: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita.

  • Key Beliefs:

    • Brahman (universal spirit), dharma (duty), karma (actions), samsara (cycle of rebirth), moksha (liberation).

Page 25-26: Social Impact of Hinduism

  • Caste System

    • Supported by religious texts; rigid social structure.

    • Lack of social mobility; born into caste, die in caste.

    • Major social classes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, Dalits.

Page 30-32: Buddhism

  • Origins

    • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha).

    • Nontheistic; focuses on enlightenment and nirvana.

  • Key Guidelines:

    • Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Page 34-35: Ashoka's Edicts

  • Document Analysis

    • Insights into Ashoka's governance and values.

    • Emphasis on welfare, non-violence, and respect for all faiths.

Page 37-49: Mauryan and Gupta Empires

  • Internal and External Factors

    • Environmental issues and poor leadership led to decline.

    • Invasions from Central Asian peoples.

  • Political Structure

    • Centralized governments with emperors supported by bureaucracies.

    • Ashoka's progressive policies and promotion of Buddhism.

  • Economic Factors

    • Reliance on agriculture and trade; taxation systems.

  • Cultural Achievements

    • Golden Age of Classical India marked by advancements in science, mathematics, and medicine.

  • Preparation for Quiz

    • Review key concepts of Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Classical Indian em