Humanities

Mary Grace Anne P Roselio Assignment #1
BSIT HUMANITIES (Prelim)

1. What is the meaning of the following terms?
a) Confucianism
- A system of ethics, founded on the teachings of Confucius, that influenced the traditional
culture of China.
b) Taoism
- the philosophical system evolved by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu, advocating a life of complete
simplicity and naturalness and of noninterference with the course of natural events, in order
to attain a happy existence in harmony with the Tao.
c) Yin-Yang
- The ubiquitous yin-yang symbol holds its roots in Taoism/Daoism, a Chinese religion and
philosophy. The yin, the dark swirl, is associated with shadows, femininity, and the trough
of a wave; the yang, the light swirl, represents brightness, passion and growth
d) Tao-Te-Ching
- the central Taoist text, ascribed to Lao-tzu, the traditional founder of Taoism. Apparently
written as a guide for rulers, it defined the Tao, or way, and established the philosophical
basis of Taoism.
e) Wu-Wei
- refers to the cultivation of a state of being in which our actions are quite effortlessly in
alignment with the ebb and flow of the elemental cycles of the natural world. It is a kind of
“going with the flow” that is characterized by great ease and awareness
2. What are the countries that are most strongly influenced by Confucianism and Taoism?
- China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam. As well as various territories including Hong Kong, Macao,
Taiwan, and Singapore
3. Explain what is meant by Confucian concept that “in order to govern others, one must first govern oneself”
- Morality is the basis of government and human relationships. One must know and apply it to
himself before others.
4. Confucius praised those kings who left their kingdoms to those apparently most qualified rather than to their
elder sons. Do you agree to such political system? Justify your answer.
- Yes, because being a first born doesn’t mean being a successor of your father. You must have
what a King should be.
5. Why do you think Confucianism and Taoism were repressed by Chinese communism?
- Leaders were wary of Taoism for centuries because Taoism originally stated that the emperor
was the link between the gods of Taoism (or the Tao itself) and what happens here on earth.
So if anything went wrong, it could never be the fault of the Tao, therefore it must be the
fault of the emperor not worshiping correctly. That's why some revolutions were began by Taoist
leaders when problems arose in Chinese society, such as the Yellow Turban Rebellion. The
Chinese communists knew their history too well. Confucianism originally had similar ideas, but
developed on the lines of where everyone had a role to play in society. This led to a class
system, which was anathema to the ideals of communism. Also, power mad megalomaniacs of all
description despise alternate sources of power, which is why such sources are often suppressed
when they cannot be used. This ranges from religion to things like the arts.
6. What is your point of view about the statement that Confucius was a “king without a crown”? Elaborate well
your answer.
- It refers to the fact that although Confucius is one of the great political philosophers of
all time, he never ruled a country or held high office in which he could apply his ideas
himself. On the other hand, his ideas, as interpreted by others over the centuries, have been
influential in the government of many countries.
7. Do you agree in all philosophical concepts of man by Confucianism and Taoism? If no, which are those in
which you are agree and disagree? Why?
- They are not mutually compatible. If I live according to culture and etiquette (Confucius) I
am not living as my natural self (Lao Tzu.) So anyone that agrees with all of the concepts is
a split personality.
8. If you were to be Confucius or Lao-Tzu in the present time, do you accept such challenge? Reason out.
- A challenge for Lao-tzu at this time: ethical freedom; a challenge for Confucius at this time:
truthful wisdom.
Reference:
 www.dictionary.com
 www.google.com
 https://www.thoughtco.com/wu-wei-the-action-of-non-action-3183209
 http://www.chineseonthego.com/culture/confucius1.html
 https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20160711011426AAB1Eis

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Mary Grace Anne P Roselio Assignment #1

BSIT HUMANITIES (Prelim)

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