Reference no: EM133724514

Your answer is supposed to be an essay, which means the only task is to present an argument and support it with sound reasons and solid evidence. In this case, your opinion is your answer to the question. Your evidence is what you observe from the given painting and relevant paintings and/or texts of your choices. You will probably need your knowledge gained in the lectures.

The essay should consist of three parts, an Introduction in which you state your thesis (the opinion that you will argue), a body text in which you support your thesis with reasons and evidence, and a conclusion in which you summarize your argument.

1. What is Dong Zhongshu's argument on human nature and why is his idea Confucian? Please explain with reference to relevant texts from the lecture and/or the assigned reading.

2. How does Zhaungzi's writing reflect how Daoism is different from Confucianism? Explain with examples from Zhuangzi's writing in the assigned readings: "The Shu Tree," "Cook Ding," "Cripple Shu," "Wheelwright Pan," "the death of Zhuangzi's wife," "Zhuangzi on the choice of tomb" or "the Dream of a butterfly" (choose to discuss ONLY ONE example in your answer).

Please note: you will not earn ANY grade if you repeat the summary of Zhuangzi's criticism of Confucianism in the lecture. What you are asked to do is to show your understanding of their difference in the view of humanity, the social ideals, the political philosophy, etc., based on your discussion of Zhuangzi's writing.

3. How are Confucian, Daoist and Buddhist ideas reflected in the traditional way of life of the gentry class? Explain with examples from Guo Bi's Diary", "Arts of Living" or a painting discussed in the lectures. (Please choose to discuss ONLY ONE example in your answer).