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Questions and Answers
What was the primary belief of Legalism regarding human nature?
What was the primary belief of Legalism regarding human nature?
Who is credited with developing the philosophy of Legalism?
Who is credited with developing the philosophy of Legalism?
During which dynasty did Legalism become the official philosophy of China?
During which dynasty did Legalism become the official philosophy of China?
What action did Shi Huangdi take against non-Legalist philosophies?
What action did Shi Huangdi take against non-Legalist philosophies?
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What is one of the tactics associated with Shang Yang's interpretation of Legalism?
What is one of the tactics associated with Shang Yang's interpretation of Legalism?
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What action did Shi Huangdi take to suppress Confucianism during his reign?
What action did Shi Huangdi take to suppress Confucianism during his reign?
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Which dynasty eventually adopted Confucianism after the fall of the Qin?
Which dynasty eventually adopted Confucianism after the fall of the Qin?
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Which of the following best describes the penalties under Legalism during the Qin Dynasty?
Which of the following best describes the penalties under Legalism during the Qin Dynasty?
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What threat did the teachings of Confucius and other philosophers pose to the Legalist system?
What threat did the teachings of Confucius and other philosophers pose to the Legalist system?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Discover the fundamental principles of Legalism as developed by Han Feizi and its impact during the Warring States Period and the Qin Dynasty. This quiz explores the contrasts between Legalism and Confucianism, emphasizing strict laws and harsh punishments for societal order. Test your knowledge on this influential philosophy in Chinese history.
