REMEMBER: Given the number of papers we have written in this class, along with class time and handouts devoted to documentation -- your ability to meet formal writing requirements, including standard documentation format, should be at its absolute peak. This last paper will be graded accordingly.

1. We have seen that Chinese "religions" begins with a common set of five assumptions -- assumptions which are further apparent in the ideas of Tian (heaven), the Dao, and the interaction of yin and yang. Perhaps the most fundamental concept, one underlying all of these assumptions and ideas, is the belief in an "internally differentiated" order.

A central distinction, however, between Confucianism and Taoism turns on the question of what kind of order the world presents us -- i.e., is it fundamentally within the reach of human reason (as the Confucians stress) or is it fundamentally beyond human reason (as the Taoists stress)?

Using lecture notes and Fenton, briefly characterize these fundamental assumptions of Chinese "religions." Then describe the contrasts between Confucianism and Taoism primarily in terms of their respective understandings of the order of things.

Be sure to make use of Fenton's description of li and especially its social and political consequences.

Further describe the Dao as understood in Daoism in some detail, using both Fenton and at least two selections we have examined from the Tao Te Ching. Likewise, discuss social and political consequences of this alternative notion of order -- again, using at least two selections we have examined from the Tao Te Ching as illustration and support of your characterization of the ideal Taoist "state."

BE SURE TO MAKE EXPLICIT THE CONTRAST BETWEEN CONFUCIAN AND TAOIST CONCEPTIONS OF ORDER AND THE STATE.

2. In her introductory essay, "The Tao Te Ching as a Religious Treatise," Ellen M. Chen contrasts early religions with what she calls the religions of the axial period. She further characterizes capitalism and communism as two 20th ct. "pseudo-religions" -- and then raises the question as to which religious traditions are fundamentally for or against life.

Summarize her account of early and axial religions -- and point out the ways in which her account agrees or disagrees with the account we have explored which emphasizes the contrast between earlier, goddess-oriented, pre-agricultural traditions and later, sky-god-oriented, agricultural traditions. Be sure to point out what tradition (s) the Tao Te Ching represents in these terms (i.e., the earlier or later) -- and use at least one selection we have examined from the Tao Te Ching which illustrates and supports your identifying Taoism as representing a given tradition.

Summarize Chen's account of capitalism and communism as "pseudo-religions," paying careful attention to her arguments for why these economic systems are "religion" in her view.

Finally, respond to her position on religious traditions as either for or against life. Point out where you agree with her views and/or where you disagree with her views -- and be sure to provide the reasons, arguments, and/or evidence for your agreement and/or disagreement.

I'll be most interested in the reasons you offer to support your position, rather than in the particular position you take.

3. Answer one or the other, but not both:

A. Of all the Eastern religious views we have looked at this semester, which one "makes the most sense" to you? That is, which one seems to you to provide the best account of:

ultimate reality;

personal virtue and/or morality;

what is important/appropriate on a social/political level?

To answer this question, provide a brief resume of the position you choose - describing its claims with regard to at least these issues. Then explain why you find this position more true than alternative positions. That is, what argument or evidence do you have that suggests that this position is somehow closer to "the Truth" than alternatives?

B. What doctrine or teaching from the Eastern views we have seen has seemed most interesting or enlightening to you?

Describe this point carefully, and explain why this doctrine or teaching has been important to you. To do so, you will need to point out how this doctrine or teaching contrasts with alternative views or views you are familiar with. And be sure to do so in some of the technical ways we have discussed these issues - i.e., point out how the position of an Eastern religion has a more interesting metaphysics (account of reality), account of values, and theory of the self than alternative views.