How did the role of the scholar class change during the Song Dynasty?(1 point)

Responses

Scholars were no longer appreciated by the common people.
Scholars were no longer appreciated by the common people.

Scholars became moral guides because of their Buddhist knowledge.
Scholars became moral guides because of their Buddhist knowledge.

Scholar-officials’ duties were taken over by military men.
Scholar-officials’ duties were taken over by military men.

The role of the scholar-official became more important.

The role of the scholar-official became more important.

The correct answer is: The role of the scholar-official became more important.

During the Song Dynasty, the role of the scholar class underwent significant changes. The influence and importance of the scholar-officials increased during this time. They played a crucial role in the government and bureaucracy, holding important positions and overseeing various aspects of governance. These scholar-officials were chosen through the civil service examination system, which favored individuals with knowledge and expertise in literature, philosophy, and Confucianism. They were responsible for advising the emperor, formulating policies, and maintaining social order. Their role as moral guides was also emphasized, as they were expected to uphold Confucian ideals and promote virtue among the population.

The role of the scholar class changed significantly during the Song Dynasty. To understand the changes, we need to delve into the historical context of this period.

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), scholars played a crucial role in the government bureaucracy as scholar-officials. These scholar-officials were educated individuals who passed rigorous examinations and held high-ranking positions in the government. However, the role of the scholar-officials did not remain static and evolved over time.

One key change was the increasing importance of Confucianism as the dominant ideology. Confucianism emphasized the importance of education and the moral character of individuals, particularly those in positions of leadership. As a result, scholars became moral guides and advisors to political leaders, providing guidance on governance, ethics, and administration.

Additionally, the Song Dynasty saw an increased emphasis on civil administration and intellectual pursuits over military achievements. This shift meant that scholar-officials took on more significant responsibilities in governing the state, as their duties focused on areas such as law, education, civil service examinations, and domestic administration. Military men, on the other hand, were primarily responsible for defense against external threats, rather than taking over the scholar-officials' duties.

Overall, the role of the scholar-official during the Song Dynasty became more important and influential due to their knowledge of Confucianism, their role as moral guides, and their involvement in civil administration.