China's Legalism Philosophy

China’s Legalism Philosophy I will be discussing the history of Legalism in China and its effect and influence on China’s culture. Legalism is a philosophy that’s base on the principal and practice of promoting strict and total legal control over a society which is imposed by force. Legalism was founded by Hanfeizi and Li Si which they developed from the vision of their Master Xunzi. Xunzi was a Confucian scholar that realized “human are by nature brutal and selfish, and that their behavior must be control by strong laws and institutions.” (Judge/Langdon) Li Si was the driving force behind the success of Legalism and the birth of the empire under the Qin Dynasty which produce China’s First Emperor. Legalism can be described or view as Totalitarianism of today, both regimes is basically alike. both regimes were basically alikeboth regimes were basically alikeboth regimes were basically alikeboth regimes were basically alikeboth regimes were basically aliBoth use the system of force and fear of a highly centralized government in which one person, political party or group takes control and grants neither recognition nor tolerance to other rulers or political groups. Legalism may be seen as to inhumane to many because of all the killings the use of force labor. However, Legalism was a very successful philosophy that did provided China with stability. There were numerous achievements accomplished for China under the reign of the First Emperor. He created “provinces and districts headed by officials selected for their talent and loyalty.” (J/L) He was also responsible for building a complex irrigation system and rebuilding and extending what is now known as the Great Wall of China. The First Emperor “standardized the written language and laws, coins and taxes weights and measurements, and even the width of roads and axle width of carts.” (J/L) The Legalist idea that the ruler must have complete power and the ability to enforce the law was the correct decision in developing the overall success of China’s future growth and ability to trade. Legalism proved if used correctly that it does have a worthy purpose in society. Legalism philosophy can be use in school as well as government. It based on the belief that one person need to be in control and the people who does good get rewarded and those who doesn’t get punished. Legalism played a major role in China history even after the First Emperor’s death. The First Emperor reign was mostly inhumane and self serve more than for the people. His inhumane way of ruling was ended four years after his death. The Third Emperor Liu Bang also known as Emperor Gaozu built upon the First Emperor’s ideas however, he was more humane and he started the Han Dynasty. Under the Han Dynasty’s Legalism was used with Confucianism. He kept Legalism concept of central authority and added the humane principles of Confucianism. Under his leadership China’s Empire expanded and was a major player in the trade industry. The Han Dynasty use of Legalism “explored the written nature of law, and second, as a side effect, it provided the instruments not only for ruling, but also for measuring (and so controlling) the rule.” The philosophy that Legalism is based on is that it is important for us to understand that for a country to be truly successful, the control of a people is completely necessary not for satisfying the desires of a leader but for strengthening the state to protect its people.

References SCHNEIDER, H. (2011). LEGALISM: CHINESE-STYLE CONSTITUTIONALISM?. Journal Of Chinese Philosophy, 38(1), 46-63. doi:10.1111/j.1540-6253.2010.01630.x Ming-Tak, H. (2007). The Influence of Classic Chinese Philosophy of Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism on Classroom Discipline in Hong Kong Junior Secondary Schools. Pastoral Care In Education, 25(2), 38-45. doi:10.1111/j.1468-0122.2007.00406.x