Chapter 10 Lesson 2

Society and Culture in Ancient China

Introduction

• During the Period of the Warring States, Many Chinese looked for ways to stop the killing. They wanted to bring order to society.

• Due to this need to bring order to society, philosophies started forming

Confucianism

• Was based on the teachings of Confucius• Sought peace and harmony based on

traditional values• Duty is a central idea of Confucianism.• Confucius believed that if each individual

carried out his or her duties, society would do well. He urged people to be good.

Confucianism

• To Confucius, the right way to live was similar to the idea known as the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.“

• Which other philosopher does Confucius remind you of?

Daoism

• The word Dao means "path" and is often translated as "the Way."

• Began with the ideas of Laozi – His work also played a significant role in Chinese

cultural traditions such as literature, calligraphy, painting, and music.

Daoism

• Believed that people should free themselves from worldly desires and live simply.

• They should turn to nature and the Dao—the spiritual force that guides all things.

• Enjoy a happy life.– What Greek philosophy does this remind you of?

Legalism

• The "School of Law.• Hanfeiz created this system• He believed that humans are naturally evil.

Strict laws and harsh punishments were necessary to force people to do their duty.

• Many aristocrats supported legalism because it emphasized force.

Chinese Life

• Made up of four social classes• First were the aristocrats– China's aristocratic families were wealthy. They

owned large estates and lived in tile-roofed houses with courtyards and gardens.

• Then came the farmers

Chinese Life

• The farmers lived in rural villages surrounded by mud walls

• Most farmers also owned a small plot of land where they grew food for their own use.

• In wartime, farmers were forced to serve as soldiers.

• Then came the Artisans and Merchants

Chinese Life

• Artisans are skilled workers who make useful objects, like tools and silk cloth

• Merchants lived in towns and provided goods and services to the aristocrats.

• Some merchants became wealthy, but they were not respected members of society

Chinese family

• The family was at the center of early Chinese society

• Chinese families practiced filial piety, which refers to people's responsibility to respect and obey their parents

• Men were respected because of the jobs they did—growing crops, attending school, running the government, and fighting wars.

• Most women raised children and saw to their educati