Legalism is a popular, but quite inaccurate, designation of an intellectual current that gained considerable popularity in the latter half of the Warring States period. Legalists were political realists who sought to attain a rich state with a powerful army and to ensure domestic stability in an age marked by intense inter- and intra-state competition. “They believed that human beings—commoners and elites alike—will forever remain selfish and covetous of riches and fame, and one should not expect them to behave morally.”-1
Han Feizi developed the philosophy of Legalism based off the views of earlier philosophers. After the Han dynasty, Legalism died out as a school of thought in China. By that time, many Legalist ideas had become part of the Confucianism of Chinese emperors and governments. Morality was of no concern to the Legalist philosophers because they felt it played no part in people's decision-making process. "Because the Confucianists became increasingly dominant in feudal society, the Legalists were more and more oppressed, attacked and persecuted by them."-2 The oppressed people of China grew bolder and soon began to revolt. With the use of military force and tactics the rebels led to the fall of the Han dynasty and the death of Legalism.
1. Yuri Pines, Legalism in Chinese Philosophy, (Stanford, California, 2014)
2. Liang Hsiao, Peking Review, (China, 1975)
Han Feizi developed the philosophy of Legalism based off the views of earlier philosophers. After the Han dynasty, Legalism died out as a school of thought in China. By that time, many Legalist ideas had become part of the Confucianism of Chinese emperors and governments. Morality was of no concern to the Legalist philosophers because they felt it played no part in people's decision-making process. "Because the Confucianists became increasingly dominant in feudal society, the Legalists were more and more oppressed, attacked and persecuted by them."-2 The oppressed people of China grew bolder and soon began to revolt. With the use of military force and tactics the rebels led to the fall of the Han dynasty and the death of Legalism.
1. Yuri Pines, Legalism in Chinese Philosophy, (Stanford, California, 2014)
2. Liang Hsiao, Peking Review, (China, 1975)