As we’ve said, China is an ancient society. For a long, long time it was the most advanced society in the world. In ancient times, only Rome matched it. The Chinese invented printing, gun powder, paper, the wheelbarrow, kites, alcohol!, and silk among other things. In this video, I’d like you to watch from minute 8 to minute 22 (or so)
The pacing is slow. But the visuals are fantastic. That’s really why I want you to watch it.
I’d also like you to read chapter 10 in this easy packet of reading that I’ve scanned.
Please respond in comments to the following open ended question in paragraph form. I’d like your answer to be 6-8 sentences long.
What is your reaction to the reading and video? (hints for helping you to write- Did anything surprise you? What did you learn that you didn’t know before? Do you have a favorite Chinese philosophy so far?
What is your reaction to the reading and video? (hints for helping you to write- Did anything surprise you? What did you learn that you didn’t know before? Do you have a favorite Chinese philosophy so far?
The Chinese laws were very strict, and most of them seemed to follow the reasoning that the way the youth treat the elders was very important. The favored Chinese Philosophy is Taoism, mainly because it focuses on the naturalness and fluidity of China.
What is your reaction to the reading and video? (hints for helping to write- Did anything suprise you? What did you learn that you didnt know before? Do you have a favorite Chinese Philosophy so far?
The Chinese laws were very strict compared to other laws. To them they showed a lot of respect toward the elders. My favorite philosophy is taoism because they talk about religion and living in harmony.
I learned a lot of information that I didn’t know before. There wasn’t that much that surprised me though. I was surprised that Confusius believed that rulers and nobles were superior to peasants. He taught about respecting everyone and treating people how you want to be treated, so I assumed he thought the lower class should be treated as well as the upper class. I agree with the legalists that the law should apply to everybody, not just peasants. I agree with parts of Confucianism, and parts of legalism, but don’t completely agree with either.
Do you have thoughts on Taoism?
What is your reaction to the reading and video? (hints for helping you to write- Did anything surprise you? What did you learn that you didn’t know before? Do you have a favorite Chinese philosophy so far?
I was surprised by how much richer their culture and ritual was compared to our country. They have a specific method and a beautifully crafted presentation along with their beliefs whereas we are a much more dull culture. My favorite philosophy is that you have to have good leaders to have your country functionally running.
So, be specific Gavin. What philosophy stresses the importance of good leaders?
What was your reaction to the reading and the video? (Hints for helping you write-did anything surprise you? What did you learn that you didn’t know before? What Is your favorite Chinese philosophy so far?
I was surprised by how many different influences China had over the years. There was confucianism, legalism, buddism, and Taoism. All changed China through dynasties. I learned that legalism and Confucianism are opposites. Buddism is not so much spiritual as it is accepting and educating. My favorite philosophy is Confucianism because it says people can be taught to be good.
I do feel, James, that Buddhism is spiritual. However, I would say it is not religious- at least at its start. Today I would say it is a religion.
At the start of this I knew very little about Chinese Philosophies. I knew what Legalism was but that was it. A lot was surprising starting with the cruelty of the legalists. I understand that the law needs to be enforced, but different laws, should have different punishments. There should be a fine line between killing someone, and spitting your gum out on the sidewalk. Death is a punishment that should only be used for those who truly deserve it. China and Rome may have been the most advanced societies in ancient times, but both countries have been through so much that at times they were both damaged. Its similar to if you keep changing your mind on a drawing, and eventually the paper gets too worn out from being erased. My favorite philosophy so far would have to be, the whole topic of Legalism, just because I find it very interesting.
I was surprised about just how many Chinese empires and dynasties have run China. I learned about the legalism view and how cruel they were. My favorite Chinese philosophy is the Confucians and how they have respect for everyone including their elders. I was very intrigued about the Buddhism religion and how it grew popularity from the while county of China. The religion grew popularity because rdinary people liked to believe that was a way out of their suffering.
Good insight, Lucas. You leave this part unsaid, but does Confucian thought do anything for poor people?
Chinese philosophies are a new topic to me. I am finding them incredibly interesting though. I am really enjoying getting a feel for the culture of these areas of the world in the way past and right now. The video shows some really neat footage of China now and I found that amazing. I learned in the reading that after Confucius died, people tried to continue to spread his words. However there were several important people that didn’t like his philosophies. Therefore people struggled to continue his practice. I don’t really have a favorite philosophy at this time. I find them all quite interesting and they seem kind of diverse to me which is a little surprising to me.
I am glad you find them interesting, Ben.
What is your reaction to the reading and video? (hints for helping you to write- Did anything surprise you? What did you learn that you didn’t know before? Do you have a favorite Chinese philosophy so far?
I was surprised to hear bhuddism (careful of your spelling Jacob) was not native to c9hina, it was from india and then spread through out east Asia. I noticed that over time the chinese government has evolved but consistantly revolves aroung similar ideas. It values respect for elders in the comunity, strict laws to guide behavior, and strong influential leaders. My favorite philosophy so far is Bhuddism. I like that they value the beauty in the world and the holiness of everyone. It sort of reminds me of quakerism in the sense that it’s not one god who is all powerfull, but an obsevrence of grace in people that makes holiness.
What is your reaction to the reading and video? (hints for helping you to write- Did anything surprise you? What did you learn that you didn’t know before? Do you have a favorite Chinese philosophy so far?
Chinese philosophies are fairly new to me. I was surprised and intrigued on why people didn’t agree with Confucianism. Confusianism doesn’t negatively affect anyone. I learned many things about these philosophies. I learned how Taoism was aimed at nature and following its will. Confucianism is my favorite philosophy. I love how its focus point is equality and basically making everyone feel like family.
Confucianism however clearly favors the educated and well to do. It implies that there are natural leaders and natural followers. For while in practice, anyone can rise to the top, Confucianists cultivated intellectualism for the top. I see what you are saying, though.
Something I learned was that Taoism was very focused on meditation and being content with what you already have. I thought it was interesting how they shamed the government about some people having food while others starved. I also learned that Confucians thought some people were born higher up and more superior than others.
What is your reaction to the reading and video? (hints for helping you to write- Did anything surprise you? What did you learn that you didn’t know before? Do you have a favorite Chinese philosophy so far?
My reaction to the reading was greater than my reaction to the video. When watching the video, not much surprised me. However, I did find it interesting that the reenactments were mainly for tourists. While reading my attention was drawn to how Confucius was not appreciated during his time, but after as well as the fact that he was not very religious, yet became someone who was worshiped as if he was a god. Something that I did not know before reading this was that the Chinese people were infatuated with Buddhist art. I would have to say that Confucianism is the philosophy that I share the most values with, such as a faith in education and learning from the past.
What is your reaction to the reading and video? (hints for helping you to write- Did anything surprise you? What did you learn that you didn’t know before? Do you have a favorite Chinese philosophy so far?
Nothing about the reading or the video surprised me. This is because I knew already that the Legalists were quite foul people. I did learn a couple new things about how when the confusionists died off (which I thought was very strange) the Legslists took over. The Legalists to me look like more of a colt then anything else. There weren’t any philosophies that I liked but some that interested me. For example, how the Legalists forced people to be good by way of harsh law.
What surprised me was that legalist believed that people must forced to be good with strict laws and that most people didn’t believe in Confucianism which in my opinion seems much more peaceful and reasonable. Confucianism would most like work better also. something I learned that I didn’t know before is Taoism is much more peaceful and calm then the other two. Taoism encourages people to meditate and to think about themselves and to be content with what they have. it’s not solely forcing the bad out of you like legalism or others teaching you to be good like Confucianism.
What is your reaction to the reading and video?
My reaction to the video is that ancient China just couldn’t really hold itself together when it came to religions. (hints for helping you to write- Did anything surprise you? How extensive the rivalry between the legalists and the Confucius.
What is your reaction to the reading and video?
My reaction to the video is that ancient China just couldn’t really hold itself together when it came to religions.
Did anything surprise you? How extensive the rivalry between the legalists and the Confucius.
What did you learn that you didn’t know before? I learned that there are still munks that worship Confucius.
I was surprised to hear Bhuddism was not native to China, it was from India and then spread through out east Asia. I noticed that over time the Chinese government has evolved but consistantly revolves around similar ideas. It values respect for elders in the comunity, strict laws to guide behavior, and strong influential leaders. My favorite philosophy so far is Bhuddism. I like that they value the beauty in the world and the holiness of everyone. It sort of reminds me of Quakerism in the sense that it’s not one god who is all powerfull, but an obsevrence of grace in people that makes holiness.