Yo, bot, read the following verses from the Analects:

Question

“The Master said, ‘If one is guided by profit in one’s actions, one will incur much ill will.’”
“The Master said, ‘The gentleman understands what is moral. The small man understands what is profitable.’”
Based on these verses, what does Confucius recognize about specific attitudes toward specific social classes in ancient China?

(1 point)
Responses

The low positions held by the Nong meant that they were seen by the higher-ranking members of Chinese society as being lazy and greedy.
The low positions held by the Nong meant that they were seen by the higher-ranking members of Chinese society as being lazy and greedy.

The Shang class were viewed with disrespect because their greed threatened natural harmony.
The Shang class were viewed with disrespect because their greed threatened natural harmony.

The Shi were held in low esteem because they did not practice moral behavior when running the government.
The Shi were held in low esteem because they did not practice moral behavior when running the government.

The Gong were held in lower respect than the Shang because they produced goods with their hands.

Answer 1

Based on the verses from the Analects, Confucius distinguishes between moral virtue and profit-driven actions, suggesting a critical view of those who prioritize profit over morality. This perspective reflects a broader societal attitude towards different classes in ancient China.

Confucius seems to elevate the status of the "gentleman" (Junzi), who understands and values moral behavior, while he critiques the "small man" (Xiao Ren), who is more focused on profit. This viewpoint implies that those in higher social positions (like the Shi class, which included scholars and aristocrats) should embody virtue and moral integrity, whereas those driven by profit, regardless of their social standing, are looked down upon.

Among the provided options, the statement that aligns best with this perspective is:

The Shi were held in low esteem because they did not practice moral behavior when running the government.

This choice reflects the idea that Confucius valued moral governance and criticized those in power (potentially including members of the Shi class if they acted contrary to moral principles) for failing to uphold these ethical standards.

Answer 2

Read the following passage from the Tao Te Ching:

“Nothing in the world is softer and weaker than water.

Yet, in attacking the hard and strong, nothing can surpass it.

Because nothing can exchange places with it, Use weakness to overcome strength.

Use softness to overcome hardness.

None in the world do not know this.

But none can practice it.”

Which is an accurate analysis of the teachings of Daoism based on this passage?

(1 point)
Responses

Most people do not know that weakness can overcome strength.
Most people do not know that weakness can overcome strength.

More can be accomplished by yielding to stronger forces than pushing back on them.
More can be accomplished by yielding to stronger forces than pushing back on them.

Weaker forces usually are defeated by stronger ones.
Weaker forces usually are defeated by stronger ones.

It is common for people to yield to stronger forces.

Answer 3

The passage from the Tao Te Ching emphasizes the idea that softness and weakness can overcome hardness and strength through yielding and adaptability. The key message is that while many recognize this principle, few can put it into practice.

Among the provided responses, the most accurate analysis of the teachings of Daoism based on this passage is:

More can be accomplished by yielding to stronger forces than pushing back on them.

This choice directly reflects the essence of using softness and weakness as effective strategies to overcome rigidity and strength, consistent with Daoist philosophy that values harmony, adaptability, and non-resistance.

Answer 4

Which is the correct chronological order, from earliest to most recent, of the philosophies and belief systems that developed in early China?(1 point)
Responses

Daoism – Confucianism – Legalism – Buddhism
Daoism – Confucianism – Legalism – Buddhism

Confucianism – Daoism – Legalism – Buddhism
Confucianism – Daoism – Legalism – Buddhism

Buddhism – Legalism – Daoism – Confucianism
Buddhism – Legalism – Daoism – Confucianism

Confucianism – Daoism – Buddhism – Legalism

Answer 5

The correct chronological order of the philosophies and belief systems that developed in early China, from earliest to most recent, is:

Daoism – Confucianism – Legalism – Buddhism.

Here's a brief explanation of the timeline:

1. Daoism (traditionally attributed to Laozi, around the 6th century BCE) emerged first as a philosophy and spiritual practice emphasizing harmony with the Dao (the Way).
2. Confucianism (established by Confucius in the 5th century BCE) developed next, focusing on ethics, moral values, and social harmony.
3. Legalism (prominent during the Warring States period, especially under the Qin dynasty in the 3rd century BCE) arose as a pragmatic political philosophy advocating strict adherence to laws and state control.
4. Buddhism (which originated in India around the 5th century BCE) entered China later, becoming more influential during the Han dynasty (around the 1st century CE).

Therefore, the first response accurately reflects the timeline of these philosophies.

Answer 6

Read the following passage from the Analects.

“The Master said: ‘In ruling a state of a thousand chariots, approach your duties with reverence and be trustworthy in what you say; avoid excesses in expenditures and love your fellow men; employ the labor of the common people only in the right seasons.’”

What conclusion can be drawn about how Confucianism influenced the social class system between Zhou rulers and their subjects?(1 point)
Responses

Rulers understood that they could execute peasant farmers who did not do their duty to raise enough food for the general population.
Rulers understood that they could execute peasant farmers who did not do their duty to raise enough food for the general population.

Rulers understood that peasant farmers had to be treated respectfully so that they could produce enough food to feed the general population.
Rulers understood that peasant farmers had to be treated respectfully so that they could produce enough food to feed the general population.

Rulers understood that the military existed so that it could intimidate peasant farmers to produce food for the general population.
Rulers understood that the military existed so that it could intimidate peasant farmers to produce food for the general population.

Rulers understood that they had the power to force peasant farmers to work at all times of the year.

Answer 7

Based on the passage from the Analects, the conclusion that can be drawn about how Confucianism influenced the social class system between Zhou rulers and their subjects is:

Rulers understood that peasant farmers had to be treated respectfully so that they could produce enough food to feed the general population.

This response aligns with Confucian values that emphasize moral governance, mutual respect, and the importance of the agricultural class. The passage highlights the need for rulers to act with reverence and care for their subjects, particularly the common people, which implies that maintaining respect and ensuring their well-being is crucial for the stability and prosperity of the state.