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.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:China_imperialism_cartoon.jpg

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;