Question

Before answering the question, read the following excerpt. "In Song times, under the influence of both Buddhism and Daoism, Confucian thinkers began to reorganize ancient Chinese thought and create the basis of a philosophical system known as the Learning of the Way. Far more than a single philosophical school, this movement -- often labeled neo-Confucianism in the West -- aimed primarily to establish a social and political order. It defined and reasserted a system of Chinese values . . . which served as the pivot for Song culture in both the public and private spheres. The thinkers responsible for this "renaissance" attempted to reestablish the superiority of Confucian philosophy over its Buddhist and Daoist rivals by first clearing out the errors that had infiltrated Confucian learning over the centuries. But during this practical process of rejuvenation, they incorporated aspects of Buddhist and Daoist doctrine and practice that humanized the Confucian program. Throughout the Song dynasty, Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism were known as the "three doctrines," and each played a role at every level of society." From Dieter Kuhn, The Age of Confucian Rule: The Song Transformation of China (Cambridge: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2009), 99. Which of the following claims about the relationship between philosophical, cultural, and political systems does Kuhn’s argument support?

Answer 1

The argument presented in the excerpt supports the claim that Neo-Confucianism in the Song dynasty aimed to establish a social and political order.

Step-by-step explanation:

The argument presented in the excerpt supports the claim that Neo-Confucianism in the Song dynasty aimed to establish a social and political order. The thinkers of this movement sought to reestablish the superiority of Confucian philosophy over Buddhism and Daoism by incorporating aspects of these rival doctrines while clearing out errors that had infiltrated Confucian learning over the centuries. This philosophical, cultural, and political system played a role at every level of society.