How many questions are in this quiz?

This quiz has 200 questions covering philosophers, schools, concepts, and key texts from the Warring States era.

What is the quiz format?

Every question is multiple-choice with 4 options, and there is no timer.

Is the difficulty suitable for beginners?

Yes. Mixed difficulty includes easier recall questions plus harder comparison items, so beginners can learn while improving.

Can I choose how many questions to answer in one run?

Yes. You can select your preferred question count before starting, which is great for quick practice or longer study sessions.

What topics show up most often?

Expect major thinkers, core doctrines, school contrasts (Confucian, Daoist, Mohist, Legalist), and common terms tied to governance and ethics.

Warring States Philosophers Quiz

About this quiz

What you’ll explore

This quiz focuses on the philosophers and competing schools of thought from China’s Warring States period, from ethical cultivation to statecraft and natural philosophy.

Questions span major figures, signature concepts, famous texts, and how different schools argued against one another in a time of intense political change.

Format and difficulty controls

Each question has 4 options and there’s no timer, so you can read closely and learn as you go. Choose your question count before starting, and pick an easier or harder setting if you want to focus on fundamentals or challenge yourself; “Mixed” blends both for balanced practice.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Many players mix up similar-sounding ideas across schools (for example, moral persuasion versus strict law, or non-action versus withdrawal). Another frequent slip is confusing philosophers with later interpreters or attributing a concept to the right era but the wrong tradition.

Tips for scoring higher

Link each thinker to one or two hallmark ideas (e.g., key virtues, governance method, view of human nature)
Watch for “closest match” options that are plausible but belong to a different school
Use process of elimination when two answers seem right; look for the school’s core goal (order, harmony, utility, spontaneity)
Don’t ignore context clues like statecraft terms, ritual language, or nature-based metaphors
If you miss a question, replay a shorter set to reinforce the same concepts before moving up

Why the mixed difficulty feels fair

The question set alternates between straightforward identification and deeper comparison, so you’ll get momentum from easier items while still being pushed to connect doctrines and debates. That balance helps you improve without feeling stuck on only obscure details.