The Shaping of Chinese Traditions
China’s landscape• Plains
• Vast desert– Spread of these deserts
• Dust storms northern China
The Philosophers…
• As in India-thinkers pondered human nature
• Hindus and Buddhists –cycle of reincarnation
• Chinese philosophers focused on this world-sought to establish a stable, orderly society
Confucius
• Most influential Chinese philosopher-born 551 BC-
• Lived during a time of great turmoil in China-constant warfare
• Violence and moral decay troubled him-he suggested a code of conduct based on high moral ideas.
The Confucian Code of Conduct• A good society preserved peace and order
• His code of conduct stressed virtues such as loyalty, courtesy, hard work and kindness-these virtues would contribute to social harmony.
5 basic relationships
• Define everyone’s place in society-– Ruler and subject– Parent and child– Husband and wife– Older/younger brother– Friend and friend– Each individual has
responsibilities and duties=order
Impact of Confucianism
• Unlike Hinduism and Buddhism-Confucianism is not a religion
• The goal of Confucius was NOT the soul’s salvation-rather-order in society.
• Chinese Law based on Confucian principles-respect for elders dominated family life.
European Imperialism in China
• The Chinese had restricted foreign trade at Canton-Euros had to pay w/gold/silver-the Chinese had no interest in Euro goods
• Had to obey Chinese customs-Euros agreed-made $
Sphere of Influence• By the 1800’s western
powers had carved up China into spheres of influence- an area in which a foreign nation has special economic privileges.
New Philosophies
• When Chinese Communists gain power-replace old Confucian traditions with new revolutionary traditions
Social Changes
• Classless society• Weaken the family-
respect for elders-now faith in the young
• New marriage laws• Family size• Changing role for
women• Emphasized
education
China’s economy
• In modern era, China's influence in the world economy was minimal until the late 1980s
• Since 1978 hundreds of millions have been lifted out of poverty : the poverty rate as fallen…However, many people still live on less than $1 a day.
China and pollution
• According to the Chinese Ministry of Health, industrial pollution has made cancer China’s leading cause of death.
• Every year, ambient air pollution alone killed hundreds of thousands of citizens.
• 500 million people in China are without safe and clean drinking water.
Water Pollution
• half of the population lacks access to clean drinking water
• Water scarcity also is an issue;
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