Final answer:
During the Zhou dynasty, Confucius suggested that education and the nurturing of virtue was essential for alleviating social and political turmoil, advocating for ethical governance and social harmony.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Zhou dynasty was a tumultuous time marked by social and political disorders, a situation which Confucius believed could be ameliorated through a focus on education and the development of virtue. Confucius advocated for a society where individuals acted according to their defined roles and social obligations, cultivating moral character and emphasizing the importance of familial and social harmony. In contrast to the legalist approach which prioritized strict laws and punishments, and Daoist ideals that embraced 'nonaction' and alignment with the natural world, Confucius saw an educated and virtuous citizenry as the key to societal stability and proper governance.