2.4 River Dynasties in China

The Development of Chinese Culture Chinese Civilization Sees China as center of world; views others as uncivilized The group is more important than the individual Family Family is central social institution; respect for parents a virtue Elder males control family property Women expected to obey all men, even sons Social Classes King and warrior-nobles lead society and own the land

Religious Beliefs Spirits of dead ancestors can affect family fortunes Oracle bones used to consult gods; supreme god, Shang Di Priests scratch questions on animal bones and toroise shells

Development of Writing Writing system uses symbols to represent syllables, not ideas People of different languages can use same system Huge number of characters make system difficult to learn

Zhou and the Dynastic Cycle The Zhou Take Control In 1027 B.C., Zhou Dynasty takes control of China Mandate of Heaven The belief that a just ruler had divine approval Developed as justification for change in power to Zhou Dynastic Cycle—pattern of the rise and decline of dynasties

Control Through Feudalism Feudalism—system where kings give land to nobles in exchange for services Over time, nobles grow in power and begin to fight each other

Improvements in Technology and Trade Zhou Dynasty builds roads, canals to improve transportation Uses coins to make trade easier Produces cast iron tools and weapons; food production increases

A period of Warring States Peaceful, stable Zhou empire rules from around 1027 to 256 B.C. In 771 B.C.E., nomads sack the Zhou capital, murder monarch Luoyang becomes new capital, but internal wars destroy traditions

Philosophy and the Social Order Confucius Urges Harmony Confucius was China’s most influential scholar. Confucius believed order could be restored in China if society was organized around five basic relationships. Ruler and subject Father and son Husband and wife Older brother to younger brother Friend and friend Confucius stressed that children should practice what he called filial piety, or respect for their parents and elders.

Philosophy and the Social Order Confucian Ideas About Government Bureaucracy – trained civil service, or those who run the government Confucianism was never a religion, but was an ethical system. It became the foundation for Chinese government and social order. Daoists Seeks Harmony Laozi, who lived in the 6th century B.C. believed that a universal force called the Dao, meaning “the Way,” guides all things. He believed only humans failed to follow Dao. The philosophy of Laozi came to be known as Daoism

Philosophy and the Social Order Legalists Urge Harsh Rule Believed that a highly efficient and powerful government was the key to restoring order. They got their name from their belief that government should use the law to end civil disorder and restore harmony. The legalists believed in controlling ideas as well as actions.

Philosophy and the Social Order I Ching and Yin and Yang I Ching a book of oracles used to answer ethical or practical problems. Yin and Yang a concept that two powers represented the natural rhythms of life. Yang represents the masculine qualities in the universe. Yin the feminine.