Confucionism vs Legalism
Julia Varvaro
Compare and Contrast: Confucianism and Legalism
9/29/11
Amidst the chaos of political instability and constant warfare during Chinaʼs Period of Warring States, two new philosophies emerged. Legalism and Confucianism were two of the philosophies intellectual thinkers developed to try and stop the mayhem of
China before it could be conquered by a greater nation. “Confucianism became the paramount school of thinking and later significant philosophies such as and Legalism gained immense recognition as well. Each party had their own proposals for creating an idealistic political society where the many problems they faced in their everyday lives could be eliminated.” Both approaches were very distinct, but at the same time they contained certain similarities as well.
Confucianism disfavored a harsh government. Confucius urged to lead the people with virtue and rituals as opposed to government policies and punishments. He believed that the ruler should gain respect through his deeds rather than achieving it through his status and authority. Confucianists disliked government that employed killing and wished for a non aggressive rule. They believed individuals should foster compassion, humility and moderation for a successful society, whereas Legalism believed the people should be controlled by fear and aggression. Legalists had a ruthless approach to crimes and even the smallest of unlawful acts resulted in harsh punishment. Legalism and Confucianism both provided structure and stability for the time they were used. Out of Legalism and Confucianism, Legalism was a success in the sense that it achieved what the other desperately strove for - the unification of China. Even though it only lasted twelve years. “Many of the Legalist ideas were quite thought provoking and praiseworthy; they believed in equality for all and government according to merit. However, the system gained a rotten reputation according to the ruthless rule
of
Compare and Contrast: Confucianism and Legalism
9/29/11
Amidst the chaos of political instability and constant warfare during Chinaʼs Period of Warring States, two new philosophies emerged. Legalism and Confucianism were two of the philosophies intellectual thinkers developed to try and stop the mayhem of
China before it could be conquered by a greater nation. “Confucianism became the paramount school of thinking and later significant philosophies such as and Legalism gained immense recognition as well. Each party had their own proposals for creating an idealistic political society where the many problems they faced in their everyday lives could be eliminated.” Both approaches were very distinct, but at the same time they contained certain similarities as well.
Confucianism disfavored a harsh government. Confucius urged to lead the people with virtue and rituals as opposed to government policies and punishments. He believed that the ruler should gain respect through his deeds rather than achieving it through his status and authority. Confucianists disliked government that employed killing and wished for a non aggressive rule. They believed individuals should foster compassion, humility and moderation for a successful society, whereas Legalism believed the people should be controlled by fear and aggression. Legalists had a ruthless approach to crimes and even the smallest of unlawful acts resulted in harsh punishment. Legalism and Confucianism both provided structure and stability for the time they were used. Out of Legalism and Confucianism, Legalism was a success in the sense that it achieved what the other desperately strove for - the unification of China. Even though it only lasted twelve years. “Many of the Legalist ideas were quite thought provoking and praiseworthy; they believed in equality for all and government according to merit. However, the system gained a rotten reputation according to the ruthless rule
of