Ethical Reasoning 18

Monday, 9/2/2013

9/9/2013 7:10:00 AM

Eurasia was very linked Historically, it was not made up of independent regions rather very inter-connected Bronze Age (3000BC) Aristocratic Elite begin ruling in China (all land, all decisions) o Aristocrat Tier-ing of different classes in society Social strafication

Xia Dynasty Heroic figure: Yu, founded the dynasty (bronze vessels) Overthrown by Shang Dynasty Zhou Dynasty (mid 11th century BC) 3rd ancient dynasty Began writing texts that become very integral to Chinese political philosophy Mandate of Heavy o Central concept of Chinese philosophy o Heaven is immoral deity Heaven has always been looking for rulers who are good Thus heaven bestows the mandate to rule o Passed down to son as long as the ruling family is the most moral family

Iron Age Begins to shift in 7th, 6th, 5th century BCE Iron replaces Bronze as the main substance used for tools, warfare, etc Bronze age aristocrats begin to lose power Dramatic population increases o Strong push against Bronze age aristocrats

o Increased infantry armies Decision making begins to be determined by popular vote (free, males only) As Zhous dynasty begins to decline, the Bronze age dynasty system breaks apart o Zhou operated by being ranked with respect to birth Controlled all the land (gave away land to next level down)

The new age (?) Development of competing bureaucracies in various regions Competing states Intentionally hire people below aristocrats so that they can be loyal o They must be educated (read, write, debate, etc) o Social competition based on merit

Concept of Truth Practical concerns Focus on common, mundane questions Chinese philosophy is based on how do I live my life How is the best way for me to cause social change and reach high positions? Breakdown of aristocratic society o Amidst massive social crisis, emergence of philosophy occurs o Aristotle, Plato in Greece o Buddha in India o Confucius in China o Educated philosophers not only worried about state creation/politics but also what is wrong/right, how to live lives, etc Yao,Shun (Confucius says this) They ruled because they were good (also were warriors) Yao was a good ruler, got old o Searched the realm for the most moral person Found Shun

Gets old then searched the realm for the most moral person Finds Yu o This is when the Bronze age begins o Hands it to his son (this is where the Bronze age begins) Something existed before the Bronze age that was moral, respectable

9/9/2013 7:10:00 AM

9/9/2013 7:10:00 AM