• Q1: Describe differences between Chinese/Greek and Indian/Persian/Jewish approaches to philosophy and thinking.

• Q2: How did classical era religions/thinking differ from ancient religions?

• A: # 1 they’re not polytheistic, they seek a single source (some ethical/moral, some religious). People now seek spiritual transformation and compassion. Focus on ethical choices leading to one’s fate/destiny, as opposed to rituals to “see” the future and placate the gods.

• Q4: In what kind of historical context did these changes in religion/thinking occur? (Why at the same time?)

• A: time of tumultuous social changes: iron age=more productive economies and deadly warfare, growing cities, new states and empires, new cultural interactions….all of this leads to an increase in questioning about the state of society and the world.

• Q. 5 How did Confucianism reinforce patriarchy? • A: hierarchy (earth=female, heaven=male); subordinate role of

women rooted directly in the order of the Cosmos• Q. 5 (con’t) How was Confucianism somewhat democratic

(egalitarian)?• A: Leaders should be moral, look out for the people and anyone

should be able to become a government official, not just the rich

• Q 6: How did Confucianism influence the Chinese government?• A: 1st, Legalism was discredited during the reign of Shi Huangdi. So,

this influenced people to turn to Confucianism after he died. (remember he rejected Confucianism). With the Han dynasty, Confucianism became the official ideology of the state. The educational system became based on Confucianism to train government officials (Civil Service). The family, so hugely important in Confucianism, became the model for the state.

9. Describe the origins of Hinduism. (how did it begin?) 10. What are some key elements of Hinduism? How did caste play a role? 11. What are some key elements of Buddhism? 12. Why did women become Buddhist nuns?13. How did popular Hinduism challenge Buddhism?14. What was the main impact of Zoroastrianism and Judaism?15. What are the main elements of Zoroastrianism?16. What elements of Zoroastrianism were integrated into Judaism?

Buddhism- HinduismBuddhism develops out of Hinduism

Similarities DifferencesKarma & Reincarnation H follows caste systemKarma based on actions H much olderBoth dev in India H many gods, B no godsAll part of 1 (universal soul) H has no founder

B spreads across Asia