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How Did Shi Huangdi Use Legalism During The Qin Dynasty

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Legalism is a type of "Classical Chinese philosophy" (Legalism and Chinese Philosophy) that grasped strong eminence during the bold, storming, Warring States Era (475 BCE–221 BCE). Legalists struggled to improve the human lifestyle by noble examples, education, and moral/righteousness laws or rules. During the Qin dynasty, it was needed for a strong government in addition to a carefully designed set of rules and principles. Qin Shi Huangdi, "first emperor" (Legalism) with this was a defending force that would factually, enforce these rules/laws and punish severely in even the most minor violations or mistakes. Throughout the years and understandings, the conceptual/elements of Legalism has been decaying, and starting to become more lenient …show more content…

According to Qin Shi Huangdi, there were "three main precepts of these Legalist philosophers" (Legalism, Fajia). The first aspect was strict and publicized rules. This allowed for anyone not to make any mistakes. The second rule was controlling all purchases in order to maintain the economic side. Qin thought that the laws of legalism were the central governing idea of unification of China. Although he had lots of negative viewers thinking that today would be a totalitarian society, he did not stop. Since he did not believe/like the beliefs of Confucianism, he persecuted Confucian scholars. Ruler Qin also thought humans were naturally evil and selfish. If anyone created a conflict or problem they would be treated with severe or harsh punishment. To not create such chaos or conflicts, Qin created the idea of morality which was the distinguish between right and wrong. During the Qin dynasty, Ch'in believed it was more important for one strong ruler to be followed/taught by the people and teach them "a philosophy that would strengthen the government that was in power and cause people to follow the laws much more closely" (Legalism in Ancient China). More power led to the idea of strict and clear rules. This made the people look out more and not make any mistakes to maintain a "flowing" or well-maintained society. Ch'in also thought people did not need to read so he burned many important books, but not all. He also thought the state/country was more important than the people he was ruling at the time in

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