Download Legalism

By: Jimmie Menicucci and
Justice Conkle
FOUNDER/APPROXIMATE DATE
FOUNDED
• Legalism, was the school of Chinese
philosophy that attained prominence during
the Warring States era (475–221 b.c.e) and,
through the influence of the philosophers
Shang Yang, Li Si, and Hanfeizi, formed the
political basis of China's first imperial dynasty,
the Qin (221–207 bce).
BASIC BELIEFS
• Legalism is a political philosophy, whose main
motto is "set clear strict laws, or deliver harsh
punishment“.
• According to Legalism, a ruler should govern his
subjects. According to Fa (law or principle), Shu
(method, tactic, art, or statecraft) and Shi
(legitimacy, power, or charisma).
• Legalism is a Classical Chinese philosophy that
emphasizes the need for order above all other
human concerns.
GOD(S) AND GODDESSES
• Legalism has no actual gods but is the general
use of Gods laws.
• Legalism is a not religious whatsoever so
spiritually it has no gods.
CONCEPT OF AFTERLIFE
• Legalism is not a religious philosophy but a
political philosophy so it does not have
anything to do with afterlife, but more so to
do with current day to day actions.
RELIGIOUS OR OTHER TEXTS
• Legalism is a political philosophy that does not
address higher questions pertaining to the nature
and purpose of existence. The legalist tradition
derives from the principle that the best way to
control human behavior is through written law
rather than through ritual, custom or ethics.
• The two principal sources of Legalist doctrine
were the Book of Lord Shang and the Han Fei-tzu.
The Book of Lord Shang teaches that laws are
designed to maintain the stability of the state
from the people, who are selfish and ignorant.
Maps of legalisms beginnings and spread throughout time
ORIGINAL/CURRENT GEOGRAPHIC
AREA
• Legalism began during the Warring States era of
China, between 475 and 221 B.C.
• Legalism was used to implement a strict legal
system; the Qin dynasty was in decline. Legalism
was again used under the Sui and Tang dynasties
in late 6th century used to try to strengthen
government control.
• Legalism declined under later dynasties as it
became discredited and was inexistent by the
time of the Communist ruler of China in 1949.
NUMBER OF BELIEVERS TODAY
• Legalism has been declining since Sui and Tang
dynasties and officially ended in 1949 when
communist age began.
• No legalist remain today.
INTERACTIONS WITH POLITICS/
GOVERMENT
• LEGALISM IS A POLITICAL BASED PHILOSIPHY
• Legalists don’t believe in the way gods and
goddesses manage but believe that you must
follow strict laws and punishments, therefore
it is a government based philosophy
• Legalism was the central governing idea of the
Qin Dynasty of China under the 'First Emperor'
(Qin Shi Huang).
INTERACTIONS WITH POLITICS/
GOVERNMENT CONTINUED
• In sixth century BCE china there existed two
philosophies, both which differed, one was
Daoism, the philosophy of the care free, and
the other was Legalism, the philosophy of
strict judgment.
• Legalism was used to set everyone In line and
keep rule strict unlike other common religions
in the era.
The end
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Exploring Chinese History :: Culture :: Philosophy: Legalism." Exploring Chinese
History :: Culture :: Philosophy: Legalism. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
"Legalism | Chinese Philosophy." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia
Britannica, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
"Legalism and Chinese Philosophy." Legalism and Chinese Philosophy. N.p., n.d. Web.
22 Sept. 2015.
"Legalism." Legalism. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
“Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
Pines, Yuri. "Legalism in Chinese Philosophy." Stanford University. Stanford University,
10 Dec. 2014. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.