7.6 SkillBuilder activity COMMUNICATING What might a Confucian scholar have decided to do if he recognised that the Han emperor was not providing for the people’s welfare and was failing to provide a good example? Consider how his decision might be inþuenced if this scholar: a. believed that as a civil servant he had an ethical obligation to obey the emperor b. believed that the emperor’s policies were so unjust that he had lost the mandate of heaven c. believed that, as a follower of Confucius he, the scholar, had to stand up for Confucian principles and speak critically to the emperor regardless of the consequences d. knew that, like Sima Qian before him (see lesson 7.8), he would probably be castrated and imprisoned for speaking out. Write a brief paragraph on each of the preceding points and then compare your evaluation with a partner.
7.6
Exercise
Learning pathways LEVEL1 1, 2, 3, 5
LEVEL2
LEVEL3
4, 6, 7, 8
9, 10
REMEMBER AND UNDERSTAND 1. When did the ideas of Confucius begin to inþuence Chinese thought? A. While he was in power B. Before he was in power C. After his death D. None of the above 2. Identify the main ideas of Daoism. Select all correct answers. A. Living simply and in harmony with nature B. Immortality C. Revenge D. Yin and yang E. Unhappiness 3. Identify the central ideas of Buddhism. Select all that apply. A. Reincarnation B. Immortality C. Reaching enlightenment D. The strive to eliminate human desire E. Yin and yang
4. Identify the school of thought that was the main inþuence on Chinese law under the Qin dynasty. 5. How was Confucianism incorporated as an inþuence on Chinese law under the Han dynasty?
ANALYSE AND APPLY 6. Identify aspects of SOURCE1 that suggest that Confucius was highly regarded long after his death. 7. Read SOURCES2 and 3 . a. Why was Confucius critical of the rulers of his time? b. What did Confucius regard as qualities of a good ruler? 8. Read section 7.6.2 and look at SOURCES4 and 5 . Explain why ancient China was tolerant of different beliefs.
204 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator