The Ru School and Lao Zhuang School

Which group dominated the executive strata of the Chinese political system since the Han dynasty?

• The Legalists

• The Daoists

• The Ru scholars

• The Mohists

How does Analects describe "the superior man," "sage," and "petty people"?

Groups:

(a) superior man (Junzi)

,

(b) Sage (shengren)

,

(c) Petty (xiao ren)

• He does not deserve political authority.

• He is guided by economic efficiency.

• He should rise to power.

• He preserves the mandate of Heaven by critiquing the ruler.

• He sustains the Way by teaching it to his disciples.

• He is a wise men

• He stresses the importance of rigorous training and self-improvement.

• He is motivated by social justice and harmony.

• He desires personal prosperity at the expense of others.

• He is evaluated based on his abilities and actions.

• He is restrained by fear for the results of just actions.

• He embodies the teaching through his actions.

According to the Ru's Teaching, what is the nature of human beings?

Groups:

(a) Confucius

,

(b) Mengzi

,

(c) Xunzi

• Human nature is morally neutral.

• Humans seek the simplest solutions to problems.

• Human nature is fundamentally good.

• Humans desire instant gratification, profit, and pleasure.

• By nature all people are similar

• The mind can recognize moral value and long-term perspective only through deliberate effort.

• People grow different as a result of their acquired habits.

• Human nature encompasses 'sprouts' that can be nurtured and developed through proper education.

• Human nature is bad.

• Humans distinguish themselves from animals through their ability for rational reflection.

What does Xunzi criticize about Mengzi's view?

• Naivety and simplicity

• Complexity and depth

• Optimism and hope

• Pessimism and despair

What does Xunzi's interpretation of 'rectification of names' involve?

• Aligning terminology with social conventions

• Ignoring social hierarchy

• Creating new languages

• Returning to ancient practices

What does Xunzi believe is necessary for a proper understanding of language?

• Mysticism and Heaven

• Logical systems and semantics

• Random naming conventions

• Emotional expression

What does the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) suggest about the use of 'The Way'?

• It should be filled with purpose.

• It should be left empty.

• It should be controlled.

• It should be ignored.

Confucius believed that the Way (dao) should guide people in their pursuit of ​ (a)   Lao Tzu's concept of the Way (dao) is rooted in ​ (b)   , allowing things to unfold naturally.

• moral virtue and social order.
• non-interference and effortless actions
• chaos and disorder
• forced control and manipulation

According to Confucius, the Way is closely tied to the idea of ​ (a)   , which emphasizes the proper conduct and relationships between individuals in society. In contrast to Confucianism, Laozi believed that the Way cannot be fully ​ (b)   .

• ritual propriety
• named and defined.

Confucius's idea of harmony involves a balance between individual duties and ​ (a)   relationships, ensuring stability in society. He believes harmony is achieved when people fulfill their roles according to ​ (b)   and social norms. Laozi’s concept of harmony involves aligning oneself with the natural world through the practice of ​ (c)   , where interference with nature is minimized.

• hierarchical
• wu-wei (no actions)
• ritual propriety
• equality
• rectification of names