Legalism in Ancient China

Legalism in Ancient China

• Legalism, a philosophy developed by Han Feizi, posited that humans are inherently inclined towards wrongdoing due to self-interest.
• Han Feizi rejected Confucianism's inherent goodness belief.Legalism emphasized strict laws and harsh punishments as the means to maintain social order.
• Legalism rose in importance during the Warring States Period (c. 481 - 221 BCE) due to widespread conflict.
• Shang Yang, a Qin statesman, contributed to Legalist thought, including the concept of "total war."
• The Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BCE) adopted Legalism as its official philosophy under Shi Huangdi, suppressing other philosophies like Confucianism.
• Legalist principles demanded severe penalties for wrongdoings to motivate desired behavior (e.g., fines, conscription into the army).
• Confucianism, emphasizing human goodness and self-improvement, was suppressed by Legalists.
• Legalism's harsh policies made it unpopular.
• Following the Qin Dynasty's fall, Legalism was abandoned in favor of Confucianism.
• Later dynasties occasionally adopted Legalist elements when facing perceived societal collapse or a loss of control.

Qin Dynasty and Legalism

• Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China, enforced Legalism by burning books and executing those who opposed it..
• Qin's Legalist regime utilized severe punishments for even minor lawbreaking (e.g., forced labor on infrastructure projects).
• The Qin used total war tactics developed by Shang Yang to conquer other states and unify China.
• The unification and stability achieved under the Qin was achieved at a significant cost to lives and liberties.

Xunzi and Legalism

• Even though Xunzi, a Confucian reformer, inspired Han Feizi's philosophy, Xunzi's larger vision emphasized self-improvement, education, and rituals to achieve personal development, a view rejected by Han Feizi.
• Xunzi's concepts, not just the assertion of human selfishness, influenced Legalism.

Confucianism's Reaction to Legalism

• Confucianism, promoted by thinkers like Confucius, Mencius, and Mo-Ti, emphasized the inherent goodness of human nature and self-improvement.
• Confucianism, once suppressed, flourished as a counterpoint to Legalism.
• The loss of Legalism opened a space for the Confucian vision for peaceful, self-cultivating human interactions.

Legacy of Legalism

• Legalist principles have, at times, been used in Chinese history as tools for social control.
• While Confucianism supplanted Legalism in later dynasties, Legalism's impact on Chinese civilization remained.
• Legalist approaches to law and social control are still reflected in various Chinese political and social structures.