The Influence Of Legalism In China

Legalism is a Chinese philosophy that arose during the warring states period in the fifth to third century B.C.E. It was the theological basis for the Qin dynasty after the warring states era. It was heavily influenced by Han Feizi. This philosophy has many factors and influencers that shaped its many strict and authoritarian views which were put into effect during the Qin dynasty and still influence current day china and other governments. Legalism was inspired mainly by Han Feizi. The goal was to create a method of governing that would result in a powerful country and army. This was because China was going through the warring states period. This meant that the empire was split into many states. “Before the conquest of the other kingdoms by Qin and the creation of the Chinese Empire, what is now China consisted of a multitude of principalities wracked by chronic warfare” (Watkins). The totalitarian and authoritarian rule of the Qin helped to unite china again. This completed the goal of uniting the area again and the

There were many strict laws and views. The philosophy taught that humans were naturally selfish. Because of the fact that human nature is selfish rulers must be strong and use force to govern the people. There were three main components of Legalism that are Fa which is the laws themselves, Shi which were the men in power, and Shu which was the current ruler’s instruction (Pines). They must use strict laws and punish law breakers harshly. Along with people ideas needed to be governed with an iron fist. They even went as far as to burn all writings that went against the ruling power. They also made sure to try and keep order in the economy and society by keeping people farming and leading lower class jobs and lifestyles, as the rulers didn’t want much economic mobility. Along with all of these factors a strong military was valued highly. All of this was how legalism was put into