1. Discuss the differences between "philosophical" and "religious" Taoism (Sharma 239, 232-3).  Is this distinction valid and useful in thinking about Taoism?

2. Discuss the perspective of self in the universe in Taoism.  You may wish to use the metaphor of the Lord of the Yellow River (Sharma 281) and/or the ritual of the candle lightling ceremony representing the model given in the Lao Tzu ch. 42 (Saso 450-1) - in making your points.

3. Explain the concept of wu-wei in Taoism.  How does this concept function in the inward-turning aspect of Taoism? How does it function practically in the real world?

4. What two ideas were sought by Confucius?  How are these two ideals to be brought to fruition in the world?

5. What is jen?  How is it expressed in the world?

6. In what way are Confucian virtues at odd with typical Western virtues?

7. Discuss Mencius’ and Hsun Tzu’s notion of human nature.  Which one is closest to Confucius’ understanding of human        nature?