CLEP Western Civilization Test Question

Japanese Taoism is not related to Christianity because Taoism originated in China and is a philosophical and religious tradition that is distinct from Christianity. While Christianity has spread to various parts of the world, including Japan, Japanese Taoism is not a belief system or cultural aspect specifically associated with Christianity.

Leonardo Da Vinci was not a philosopher, but rather an artist, scientist, and inventor. While he made significant contributions to various fields, his work did not focus on philosophical concepts or ideas. In contrast, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are all renowned philosophers who played fundamental roles in shaping Western philosophy.

The area often referred to as 'Orient' is The East. This term is commonly used to describe the eastern part of the world, particularly Asia. The term originated from the Latin word "oriens," which means "rising" or "east." It is used to denote the direction of the rising sun and has been historically associated with the eastern regions of the world.

Customs are not excluded from the scope of Western civilization. Western civilization encompasses a wide range of customs, including social norms, traditions, and practices that have developed over time. These customs are an integral part of the cultural fabric of Western societies and play a significant role in shaping their identity. Therefore, the statement that customs are not within the scope of Western civilization is incorrect.

Qatar is not part of the western world because it is located in the Middle East, specifically in the Arabian Peninsula. The western world typically refers to countries in Europe and North America, which have similar cultural, political, and economic characteristics. California, Paris, and London are all located in the western world as they are part of the United States, France, and the United Kingdom respectively.

Feudalism evolved into anarchy when under the Frankish kings. This suggests that the Frankish kings were unable to maintain control and order in their society, leading to a breakdown of authority and power. Without a centralized system of governance, socialization and hierarchy would have likely dissolved, resulting in a state of anarchy where there is no recognized authority or structure.

In the 19th century, European powers began to interfere with Meiji Japan and Qing China. This period, known as the Age of Imperialism, saw European countries exerting their influence and control over other nations for economic, political, and strategic reasons. These powers sought to exploit the resources and markets of Meiji Japan and Qing China, leading to conflicts and unequal treaties that greatly impacted the development and sovereignty of both countries.

The Roman civilization is not considered one of the earliest civilizations because it emerged much later than the other options listed. The Southwestern Iran civilization, Northeastern Syria civilization, and Southeastern Turkey civilization all have historical evidence of being established thousands of years before the rise of the Roman Empire. Therefore, the Roman civilization is the correct answer as it does not belong to the group of earliest civilizations.

Occidentalism refers to the stereotyped view of the West. It is a term used to describe the portrayal or perception of Western cultures, societies, and people in a biased or stereotypical manner. Occidentalism often involves generalizations, misconceptions, or exaggerated beliefs about Western values, behaviors, or characteristics. It is a concept that highlights the cultural bias and prejudices towards the West, often originating from non-Western societies or cultures.

The Gulf of Guinea is not part of the 19th century Middle East. The Middle East refers to the region in Western Asia and North Africa, while the Gulf of Guinea is located in West Africa. Therefore, it is not included in the 19th century Middle East.