History (The Writings of Han Fe)

What are the two handles?

(1) Chastisement (punishment for not following the law) and (2) Commendation (reward for following the law)

When did legalism become important in ancient china?

Between 200 and 100 BC, through the writings of Han Fei

What is legalism set up upon?

Chastisement (punishment) and commendation (reward)

How does legalism differ from daosims and confucianism?

Daoism does not focus on political government at all Confucianism is about how society should be formed based on everybody trying to do good in the world Legalism focuses on the law only, people who follow the law are good and people who don't are bad

According to Han Fei what is the will of the ruler or the law?

If a country is WEAK it does not follow the law, if a country is STRONG it does follow the law

How did Han Fei's legalism writing become famous throughout china?

The first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, adopted legalism from the writings and adopted it throughout china

What role does individual initiative play in Han Fei's state?

The individual is rewarded for following the law and punished for not following the law

In Han Fei's ideal state, which is the supreme governing?

The law is the supreme ruler of governing authority

What is a good ruler according to Han Fei?

a good ruler cannot just pick people he likes for high positions; he must pick people who follow the law for high positions if a ruler does not use chastisement and commendation himself, if he gives power to minister, then people will be loyal to minister not the ruler

What is legalism?

a philosophy that says the law is the most important thing in forming a society and a government in order to construct a peaceful state

Who was Han Fei?

a political philosopher and a prince of the state of the Han who wrote about legalism Han Fei joined a rival state, then needed up killing himself in 233