discussion board questions

HIST 114, Spring 2021

Source Assignment 2: Zhou Dynasty Philosophers

DUE Friday April 2 by midnight

Note: You can answers the questions on this document, or write up your answers in a separate one

Background: This source assignment focuses on interpreting a primary source (written

in the time-period we’re studying): writings by two philosophers from Zhou

Dynasty China (1045-221 BCE). Historians use primary sources like this

to gain a better understanding of history from the perspective of people

living at the time. In this assignment, you’ll get to be the historian.

Source: Writings by two Zhou Dynasty philosophers: Confucius and Han Fei.

The source is attached to the assignment on Blackboard.

Instructions: Read the source and use it to answer the questions below. Responses

must be written in your own words, and be your own work. Write as much

as needed to answer each question fully. (Typically, this requires at least

3-5 sentences for each question-most students write a paragraph or two).

Based on the writings here, what does Confucius believe about the nature of human beings—are they naturally good and well-behaved, or bad and likely to misbehave? Explain your answer and support it with examples or quotes from the source.

Based on the writings here, what does Han Fei believe about the nature of human beings—are they naturally good and well-behaved, or bad and likely to misbehave? Explain your answer and support it with examples or quotes from the source.

According to Confucius, what qualities should a good ruler(king/emperor) have? What is the best way for them to govern their people and create a good society? Explain your answer and support it with examples or quotes from the source.

According to Han Fei, what qualities should a good ruler(king/emperor) have? What is the best way for them to govern their people and create a good society? Explain your answer and support it with examples or quotes from the source.

Interpret: Both of these philosophers were writing and living during a time of warfare and disruption (Spring & Autumn Period and Warring States Period of Zhou Dynasty), that was also a time when many schools of philosophical thought developed. Note: This is an interpretive question-there’s not one right answer; tell me what you think.

Why do you think Confucius and Han Fei (not to mention many other philosophers) felt it was so important to examine human nature and how to be a good ruler during this time of warfare and disruption?

Questions? Email me [email protected]