Download LEGALISM

LEGALISM
World
Population:
Origins:
Founder
[if any]:
Sacred
Texts:
Major Beliefs:
Legalism is generally an ancient religion, and it is also more widely known as a
philosophy. Most consider Legalism a belief system, making the population unclear.
Chinese states were battling for power under the weak Zhou Empire, prompting Han Fei
to question whether following Confucian principles could solve society’s problems.
Beginning in China during the Zhou Empire, Han Fei implemented legalism.
Legalism is a philosophy based on the ideas of Han Fei, a Chinese man who lived during
the Zhou Dynasty from 280 to 233BC.
Han Feizi, or Basic Writings: instructed rulers to strengthen their state by enforcing strict
laws including severe punishments; in hope this would solve China’s political issues.
The Legalists lost power shortly after the death of the First Emperor, and the succeeding
rulers ended certain books and laws of the legalists.
Legalists believed that human nature is selfish; law should be the supreme authority that
replaces morality; supreme leaders should rule with a strong and heavy hand; literacy and
education is highly discouraged; war strengthens the ruler’s power.
Shih: Power and position; the power to make his commands be obeyed
Shu: Administration techniques and methods; the ability to handle his subordinates;
Morality and human nature are irrelevant. Benevolence is replaced by firm, strict rule.
Fa: Comprehensive system of laws; to guarantee impartiality and justice. Legalism
sought to make a public, written legal code. This system would run the state, not the
ruler. Laws were enforced by strict rewards/ punishments
Legalists believe law controls everyone and that the ruler shoulf possess all the power
alone; this was the only way to ensure peace and order.
Everyday The Legalists not only argued that humans were by nature evil.
Practices: Daily activities that were not socially productive included reading and scholarship.
The Legalists believed that the only productive occupations were farming and weaving.
Reading was seen as a simple waste of the labor resources of society.
The Legalists believed that subjects should always submit to their leader.
Family came second to obeying laws; they were generally controlled and organized.
Almost all Confucianism ideas were eliminated, as well as other books.
Place &
Language of
Worship:
Spiritual
Leader:
Religious
Divisions:
Their was no specific place of worship or language because legalism was more a
governmental order, and a belief system rather than a religion.
Their is no spiritual leader as well, however the founder was Han Feizi.
However subjects must all submit to a Supreme Leader.
Their are no specific “religious divisions”.
However, you can say that their are divisions of class: The Supreme Leader, noble
military men, and subjects, etc.