Legalism Vs Confucianism

After the fall of the Han, China separated into many rival kingdoms, these kingdoms consisted of foreigners from north of the great wall, and what remained of past dynasties. The kingdoms were locked together in a desperate struggle for power, their goal was to gain control of all of China. During this period of complete disunion, new philosophies such as Legalism, Confucianism and Daoism were introduced to the population. Some found refuge in these ideologies, giving them hope in the hard times they lived in. Legalists shared the belief that strict government was the key to a society's success, Confucianists believed that family and respect would build the foundations of a unifying civilization, and Daoists looked to nature and the natural …show more content…
The ability to draft citizens into an army will ensure the military is never short of recruits. A strong army will provide the kingdom with solid defense it needs to survive against attacks from powerful invaders from the north of China. A strong military will also protect the kingdom within its borders, preventing civil revolts, and policing the streets to ensure the safety of citizens. Li should obtain the highest power within his own kingdom, allowing influential families or businesses to control the government will result in a corrupt and ultimately doomed state. However a system of checks and balances would be useful in the government to reduce the risk of revolts in the kingdom if his edicts become harsh. The emperor should reject the Legalist policy that makes use of harsh punishments to prevent the people from committing transgressions against his code of laws. By assuming the citizens of his kingdom are inherently evil, and thus inflicting overly harsh punishments on them, Li will lose the trust of his people and contribute to the possibility of civil uprising. Li should utilize Legalism to ensure the emperor has the highest power in the kingdom, and give the state a strong army to defend the kingdom …show more content…
Confucian family values give society a system of authority to operate upon. People will always be respectful to their elders and treat peers with fairness and understanding. This system will instill order within the kingdom's population and help maintain and expand Li’s rule. These values also help reduce the risk of civil revolt which could cripple the kingdom beyond repair, Li Shimin should take this risk into deep consideration before adopting or rejecting any policy. However Confucian reliance on tradition to guide their daily lives will halt the production of new ideas in society. Some traditional values could inhibit the advancement of vital technologies and ideologies that could contribute to the unification of China and grow Li’s kingdom. The Confucian ladder of respect will create order and stability in everyday life for citizens,