Chinese Philosophy and Governance

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Civil Service Exam

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A system of testing designed to select the most studious and learned candidates for appointment as bureaucrats in the Chinese government.

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Confucianism

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The system of ethics, education, and statesmanship taught by Confucius and his disciples, stressing love for humanity, ancestor worship, reverence for parents, and harmony in thought and conduct.

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Daoism

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A Chinese philosophy based on the teachings of Lao Zi which taught that people should turn to nature and give up their worldly concerns; was largely a spiritual alternative to Confucianism.

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Filial Piety

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A Confucian virtue of respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and elderly family members.

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Han Dynasty

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China’s longest running dynasty.

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Imperial Bureaucracy

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Large organization in China in which appointed officials carried out the policies of the empire.

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Meritocracy

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The exam system that granted Chinese officials their positions.

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Neo-Confucianism

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The revival of Confucian teachings during the Tang and Song dynasties and a subsequent synthesis of Confucianism with aspects of Buddhism and Daoism.

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Scholar Gentry

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Confucian educated social class that became the most influential social class of China.

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Song Dynasty

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A Chinese imperial dynasty that ruled from 960 to 1279 that preceded the Yuan Dynasty.