Final answer:
The ruler during the Zhou dynasty was referred to as the 'Son of Heaven.' He was believed to be chosen by the higher power of Heaven and was expected to uphold moral governance as part of the 'Mandate of Heaven,' which deeply influenced Chinese political ideology and dynastic cycles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ruler in the Zhou dynasty was known as the Son of Heaven and continued to act as the intermediary between heaven and earth. This concept was part of the wider ideology known as the Mandate of Heaven, which held that Heaven chose a virtuous man to rule and that the right to rule could be revoked if the mandate was not upheld through moral governance and the welfare of the people. The philosophy behind the Mandate of Heaven exerted a powerful influence over Chinese politics, justifying the overthrow of dynasties and providing a rationale for revolution against unjust rulers.
During the Zhou dynasty, the Mandate of Heaven created a structure that enabled the chosen ruler, seen as a sage-king, to establish a hierarchy and order that were believed to resonate throughout the cosmos. This system of governance not only legitimized the ruler's authority but also obligated him to maintain virtue, attend to rituals, and ensure the prosperity of his people.