Science and tech in early China
True or False: Only an electronic gadget is considered a technology
False, anything that effectively helps a human is considered a technology
What is Legalism?
a) A type of food
b) A Chinese belief that people need strict laws and punishments
c) A kind of building
d) A holiday
B - A Chinese belief that people need strict laws and punishments
What are the two rivers in Early China?
The Yellow and the Yangtze rivers.
Legalists believed people are naturally:
a) Good and kind
b) Neither good nor bad, just empty
c) Selfish and need control
d) Perfect and never make mistakes
Answer: c) Selfish and need control
Who started Confucianism?
Why is a loom to weae fabric considered technology in Early China?
In early China, a loom was considered technology because “technology” meant any practical tool or method used to make work more efficient, not just modern electronic devices.
What are all the Chinese philosophies?
Daoism, Legalism, and Confucianism
What was the earliest Chinese dynasty?
According to Confucius, which of these is most important in a family?
a) Making a lot of money
b) Respecting parents and elders
c) Winning wars
d) Having strict laws
Answer: b) Respecting parents and elders
Did Confucianism focus on strict laws or on good behavior and relationships?
Answer: On good behavior and relationships
Silk was important to China mainly because
a) It was used to make weapons.
b) It was a valuable trade good on the Silk Road.
c) It could detect earthquakes.
d) It powered machines.
B, because it was used for trade back in Early China on the Silk Road.
Legalists thought rulers should be
a) Very weak
b) Very strong and powerful
c) Elected by the people
d) Artists
B - Very strong and powerful
Who was usually at the top of ancient Chinese society?
The emperor
A ruler who uses Daoist ideas would most likely:
a) Pass hundreds of strict new laws
b) Spend time meditating and interfering as little as possible
c) Punish small crimes with death
d) Force everyone to study the Analects
Answer: b) Spend time meditating and interfering as little as possible
What did Confucius think was very important in families?
Answer: Respect for parents and elders (filial piety).
What did the seismograph help the Chinese know?
a) Time
b) Weather
c) Earthquakes
d) North and south
(Hint: it was used to learn about the victims next )
C - Earthquakes
Name two ways a Legalist ruler might control the people.
For example, putting harsh consequences if you don't obey the laws, imposing a fine, giving prison punishment, etc.
Which philosophy said people should live simply and follow nature?
Answer: Daoism
Filial piety in Confucianism mainly means:
a) Respect for nature
b) Respect for laws
c) Respect for rulers only
d) Deep respect for parents and elders
Answer: d) Deep respect for parents and elders
How might a Confucian teacher expect students to behave in class?
A Confucian teacher expects students to exhibit deep respect, discipline, and diligence, meaning they should be quiet, attentive, obedient, and hardworking, viewing the teacher as a father figure and valuing harmony.
What kinds of things were traded from China on the Silk Road?
At least list two
( you can use your notes )
Silk, gold coins, baskets of herbs, copper coins, etc.
Why did Legalists think strong punishments were necessary for even small crimes?
Answer: They believed harsh punishments for small crimes would scare people and stop them from committing bigger crimes, keeping strict order in society.
Why was the Great Wall of China originally built?
The Great Wall of China was built primarily as a massive defensive fortification to protect the Chinese Empire from invasions and raids by nomadic groups
Which statement BEST compares Confucianism and Legalism?
a) Both think rulers should ignore the people.
b) Confucianism focuses on virtue; Legalism focuses on punishment.
c) Confucianism wants harsh laws; Legalism wants no laws.
d) Both say people are naturally good.
Answer: b) Confucianism focuses on virtue; Legalism focuses on punishment.
What happened to Confucius's words after he passed away?
When Confucius died in 479 BCE, his devoted disciples mourned deeply and began recording his sayings and teachings, which ultimately led to the compilation of The Analects.