
Do Now: What do
you think the
following quote
means?


Philosophy is a walk
on the slippery
rocks/
Religion is a light in
the fog
What is the difference
between philosophy
and religion?

Philosophy=the study
of the fundamental
nature of knowledge,
reality, and existence,
especially when
considered as an
academic discipline.

Greek (philosophialove of wisdom)


Religion=the belief in
and worship of a
superhuman
controlling power,
especially a personal
God or gods.
Latin-religare (to
bind); religio
(obligation, bond,
reverence)


Polytheistic-belief in
many gods
As we read, be sure to
take notes/highlight
ways early
civilizations were
similar to/different
from each other

Originated with the
Hebrews





Semitic people
Influenced by
Babylonian civilization
Diaspora- a scattering
of people (and their
ideas/beliefs)
Other religions
(Christianity and Islam)
influenced by this
spread
Jewish concept of God



More abstract
Less human
All knowing/all
powerful



Official religion o f the
Persian empire
Based on the teachings of
Zoroaster (ancient Persian
prophet)
Centered on one supreme
being




Ahura Mazda
Opposed by evil spirit
(Angra Mainyu)
Humans free willUniversal struggle
between good and evil
Beliefs faded, but strong
influence on other
monotheistic religions


Read pp. 118-129
Vocab terms
Universalizing
religion
 Karma and Dharma
 Nirvana
 Yin-yang principle
 Reciprocity
 Daoism



Do Now: What makes this
a good thesis statement?
“Though attributes such
as intelligence and
bravery were valued in
the rigid social classes of
ancient Chinese society
where religion was not
very central, in the
theocratic society of
ancient Egypt material
wealth and power were
more valued, and social
mobility was more
attainable.”


What was the
significance or
importance of the
Great Hymn to Aten?
What evidence from
the source supports
this?




Summarize the passage. What appears to be its main
point/message?
What connections/similarities do we find to other
monotheistic religions (hint: go back and
highlight/underline at least two examples)? What does
this suggest about cultural diffusion?
What can we learn about the values of Persian
civilization from this excerpt (hint: drink your SPRITE)?
Which of the following best describes Zoroastrianism?
Why do you feel this way?

Zoroastrianism is…
 A monotheistic religion.
 A philosophy centering on the universal struggle between good
and evil.
 A combination of monotheistic religion and philosophy.



Do Now: Why is this
man (pictured at
right) so popular in
China?
What are some
possible connections
to AP World History?
…”chicken” to the Chinese, at least those who live in the cities,
means what’s served at KFC. Since the first drumstick was dipped
into a fryer in Beijing in 1987, the chain has opened more than 3,000
branches around the country, and is now more profitable in China
than in the United States. Numerous reasons have been advanced
for this success, from the cleanliness of the restrooms to the alleged
resemblance of Colonel Sanders to Confucius, but it apparently
does not reflect a newfound Chinese appetite for the cuisine of the
American mid-South. “You can find bone-in fried chicken there,”
notes Mary Shelman, a Kentucky native and the head of the
agribusiness program at Harvard Business School. “But it’s always
dark meat, which the Chinese prefer, and it’s one menu item out of
around 30, and it’s not the most popular.” The chain has thrived by
offering the Chinese customers food they were already familiar
with, including (depending on the region) noodles, rice and
dumplings, along with chicken wraps, chicken patties and chicken
wings, which are so popular, Shelman says, that the company
periodically has to deny rumors it has a farm somewhere that raises
six-winged chickens.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-the-chickenconquered-the-world-87583657/?page=3


Built on earlier
traditions


Mandate of Heaven
Yin-yang principle
 Opposite forces in
harmony

Influenced by the time
he lived (551-479 BCE;
chaotic period in
China)


Principle of reciprocity
Five basic relationships
of society
Parent and child
Sovereign and minister
Husband and wife
Older and younger
brother
 Friend and friend





What do you notice
about these
relationships (Hint:
think values/beliefs)?






Filial piety (what does this
mean?
Latin Filius or Filia (son or
daughter)
Latin pius (being reverent or
religious)
Ren-kindness, especially in
outward behavior (source of
all virtues)
Li-how others should be
treated (focus on order and
reciprocity)
Important for the focus on
orderly society and human
behavior


What does the quote below
show us about the social and
religious values of early
Chinese civilization?
“At fifteen, I set my heart on
learning. At thirty, I was
firmly established. At forty, I
had no more doubts. At fifty,
I knew the will of heaven. At
sixty, I was ready to listen to
it. At seventy, I could follow
my heart's desire without
transgressing what was
right.” Analects, 2:4


Dao-the way of nature
Focus shifts away from
society to self


Force of the cosmos




Whether you feel it or not,
it is working (water)
Learn to live in harmony


Reflective and
introspective
Can’t defeat the inevitable
Wuwei-disengage from
the world and live simply
Founded by Laozi (6th
century BCE)
Contrast to Confucius-no
strong centralized state


If you understand others you are
smart.
If you understand yourself you are
illuminated.
If you overcome others you are
powerful.
If you overcome yourself you have
strength.
If you know how to be satisfied
you are rich.
If you can act with vigor, you have
a will.
If you don't lose your objectives
you can be long-lasting.
If you die without loss, you are
eternal.
― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
How does this reflect the
values/beliefs of Daoism?




Roots in the caste system
(position in society based
on heredity)
Somewhere between 18001000 BCE
A blend of the Aryans and
Dravidians (remember
them from ch. 1?)
Changes after Buddhism
to be more inclusive

Still tied to Indian society
and culture (castes)

A universal spirit responsible for all that happens




Karma-a destiny shaped by choices/actions
(cause/effect)
Dharma- set of duties to fulfill



may gain higher caste
Brahmins-could gain Moksha-reunion with the universal spirit
All gods are part of the universal spirit



No body, but everywhere
Atman-human souls are pieces of the spirit trapped in physical
bodies
Shiva-destroyer
Vishnu-preserver
Sacred texts-the Vedas

Epic poems (Human/deity interaction, fulfillment of
dharma,etc.)


Started in the Ganges
River Valley (Indus
River Civilization)
Siddhartha Gautama


Abandoned privilege to
seek meaning of life
Buddha-enlightened
one

Everyone (regardless of
caste) could achieve
nirvana
 Union with the universal
spirit

Nirvana can be reached by understanding the four
noble truths





All of life is suffering.
All suffering is caused by desires that won’t fulfill us.
Desire can only be overcome by ending all desire.
Desire can only be ended by following the eight fold path (see
previous picture).
Spread rapidly along trade routes (between 600 BCE
and 600 CE)



Blended with native religions
Theravada-monastic life for men and women (Buddha just an
enlightened man)
Mahayana-other Buddhas appeared after Siddhartha;
Boddhisatva-a person who delayed nirvana to help others