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How might Qinshi huang have responded to Confucius' and Mozi's ideas about governance?

A) Embrace their philosophies
B) Reject their philosophies
C) Synthesize their ideas
D) Remain indifferent to their ideas

User Einheri
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Qin Shi Huang would likely have rejected the philosophies of Confucius and Mozi, due to his focus on Legalism, which emphasized strict laws and centralized power, contrasting with the traditional and ethical concerns of Confucianism and the egalitarian, anti-traditional ideas of Mohism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, known for his implementation of Legalism, would likely have rejected the philosophies of Confucius and Mozi regarding governance. Although Qin evoked policies encouraging merit and talent which resonated somewhat with Mozi's objective stance, Qin Shi Huang's general disdain for tradition and Confucian emphasis on rituals would render Confucian and Mohist ideas largely unappealing to him. Instead, his regime favored legal codes and practical measures of governance, reflecting a preference for the stringent and pragmatic principles of Legalism.

Moreover, the Mohist school, while rational and logical in its ethics, did not align with the hierarchical society that Qin Shi Huang established. Similarly, although Confucianism became more accepted in later Chinese dynasties for its association with social harmony and the moral development of the individual, it would have clashed with the Qin dynasty's emphasis on central power, legal codes, and a strong, controlling government.

Qin Shi Huang's approach to governance was characterized by a centralized bureaucratic system, unification of standards, and adoption of Legalism, which focused on strict laws and harsh punishments, as opposed to the more flexible and family-oriented Confucian ideals or the egalitarian and anti-tradition stance of Mohism. His reign was marked by significant historical changes, leading to the creation of an obedient populace and the strengthening of state power.

User Rslite
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