A Tale of Two Theories: Political Philosophy and Humanism Philosophy “Are not the Confucians rites and the Legalist laws one and the same notion? One could think so, as these rites and laws have the same goal: to regulate the behavior of each individual so as to establish a social order.” China’s modern day success story can be traced back to 6th century B.C.E, when two major philosophies began to shape the culture, Confucianism and Legalism. These philosophical theories equally impacted society on a grand scale, and represent the beginning and end of the first Chinese emperor’s dynasty, and the elongated success of another. These two philosophical schools pursued the same objective; the obtainment of obedience through social order. However,
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Legalism pursued social order in the midst of a war, through a comprehensive set of laws. These written laws were set in place to form the ideal society. On the contrary, Confucianism philosophy suggests that discipline and virtues are necessary to acquire stability in society by resulting in a positive transformation of human nature. Confucianism school alleged that human nature is worthy and each individual is potentially virtuous, so it emphasized that the conduct of the rulers can impact the performance of their culture in order to reform society. Hence, its rule for leading the country is quite simple: the leaders must first correct themselves, then nurture their own families, and then order their own states. To be precise, the ruler’s implementation of moral refinement was crucial to influence society. On the contrary, the Legalist reasoned that everyone hopes to seek fame and fortune and wants to free themselves from poverty and lowly conditions. Consequently, the rulers must enact law to carry rewards and punishment into practice, through governing individual behavior to ensure social order. Mencius said: 'The people are to be valued most, the altars of the grain and the land next, the ruler …show more content…
However, one may argue the deception imposed on “The children of Han” by implying “Confucianism” leadership in order to obtain obedience through political power. Confucians did not agree with written laws, and felt that leadership should set the examples amongst society. Legalism set the standards on the people, believing that written laws and regulations can hold them accountable. Although, the “The ancient Chinese regarded the natural order as the basis for spiritual life, political stability (witness the Mandate of Heaven)”(chapter 3) and the social order Han intellectual achievements ranged from the literary and artistic to the domains of Cartography, medicine, mathematics, and medicine. The ancient Chinese strived for a
Legalism pursued social order in the midst of a war, through a comprehensive set of laws. These written laws were set in place to form the ideal society. On the contrary, Confucianism philosophy suggests that discipline and virtues are necessary to acquire stability in society by resulting in a positive transformation of human nature. Confucianism school alleged that human nature is worthy and each individual is potentially virtuous, so it emphasized that the conduct of the rulers can impact the performance of their culture in order to reform society. Hence, its rule for leading the country is quite simple: the leaders must first correct themselves, then nurture their own families, and then order their own states. To be precise, the ruler’s implementation of moral refinement was crucial to influence society. On the contrary, the Legalist reasoned that everyone hopes to seek fame and fortune and wants to free themselves from poverty and lowly conditions. Consequently, the rulers must enact law to carry rewards and punishment into practice, through governing individual behavior to ensure social order. Mencius said: 'The people are to be valued most, the altars of the grain and the land next, the ruler …show more content…
However, one may argue the deception imposed on “The children of Han” by implying “Confucianism” leadership in order to obtain obedience through political power. Confucians did not agree with written laws, and felt that leadership should set the examples amongst society. Legalism set the standards on the people, believing that written laws and regulations can hold them accountable. Although, the “The ancient Chinese regarded the natural order as the basis for spiritual life, political stability (witness the Mandate of Heaven)”(chapter 3) and the social order Han intellectual achievements ranged from the literary and artistic to the domains of Cartography, medicine, mathematics, and medicine. The ancient Chinese strived for a