Exam 8: The Unification of China

The legendary founder of Daoism was Laozi.

Discuss the political and social reforms of Wang Mang.What led to the need for these reforms? How successful were they?

Examine the defensive walls on Map 8.1,China under the Qin dynasty,221-207 B.C.E. Why were they constructed in the north? Were there reasons for constructing the walls other than purely defensive ones?

In the section from the Analects (see Textbook: Sources from the Past: Confucius on Good Government),Confucius points out that,"When a prince's personal conduct is correct,his government is effective without the issuing of orders.If his personal conduct is not correct,he may issue orders,but they will not be followed." How is this statement representative of Confucian thought? In what ways does it disagree with Legalist philosophy?

Which popular treatise emphasized humility,obedience,subservience,and devotion to their husbands as the virtues most appropriate for women?

How does Daoism contrast with Confucianism?

At the heart of Mencius's philosophy was the belief that

Which of the following Confucian terms,with its translation,is NOT correct?

Examine the feature on Laozi (see Textbook: Sources from the Past: Laozi on Living in Harmony with Dao).What is the Daoist view of virtue? How can it be used to rule a state? Relate these ideas to those of Confucius.

The Daoist thinkers spoke of wuwei,which stood for

Confucius was the philosopher who believed that political and social harmony arose from the proper ordering of human relationships.

Mencius was the post-Confucian scholar who believed that human nature was basically good.

Liu Bang was the founder of the Han dynasty.

Compare maps 8.1 and 8.2.How was the Han state different than the Qin? Discuss the threat posed by the Xiongnu.

The Chinese have,arguably,the longest-lasting and most stable political structure of any powerful state in world history.What factors might help to explain this fact?

Junzi were Confucian "superior individuals" who took an active role in public affairs.

When discussing qualities that were essential to good character,Confucius used which of the following terms to mean an attitude of kindness or a sense of humanity?

The most important text of Daoism is the

The Book of Lord Shang is a work that helped develop the doctrine of

In the Daodejing,Laozi stated,"There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water,yet for attacking things that are hard and strong there is nothing that surpasses it." How is this statement representative of Daoist thought?