how were oracle bones used to teach students how to write to pass down dynastic history to record laws and official decrees to predict the future

Answer 1

Oracle bones were primarily used to predict the future and communicate with ancestors in ancient China during the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE). However, they were not explicitly used for teaching students how to write, passing down dynastic history, recording laws, or official decrees.

The inscriptions on oracle bones were primarily used for divination purposes. Trained diviners, known as "bone oracles," would carve questions onto the bones and then heat them until they cracked. The diviners would then interpret the cracks to provide answers and predictions regarding various aspects of life, such as harvests, weather conditions, hunting, and battles.

While oracle bone inscriptions can provide insights into the daily life, rituals, and beliefs of the Shang Dynasty, they were not intended to teach writing or pass down historical records systematically. Instead, they offer glimpses into specific events and rituals during that time.

Teaching writing was more likely done through other means, such as through the use of bamboo slips or wooden tablets for writing practice. As for passing down dynastic history, historical records were mainly preserved in historical documents such as court chronicles, official records, and the like. Laws and official decrees were also typically recorded in separate administrative documents, rather than on oracle bones.

In summary, while oracle bones were essential for predicting the future during the Shang Dynasty, they were not used specifically for teaching writing, passing down dynastic history, recording laws, or official decrees.

Answer 2

are you sure?

Answer 3

Yes, I can confirm that oracle bones were primarily used for divination purposes and communicating with ancestors. While they provide valuable historical insights into the culture and practices of the Shang Dynasty, their primary function was not to teach writing, record laws, official decrees, or pass down dynastic history systematically. These activities were typically carried out using other means such as historical records, administrative documents, and other forms of written documentation.