Imperial Administration and Legal Systems
Chinese government contrasted the belief system of Legalism and the religious views of Confucianism
Legalism
Legalism is a belief system that formed around 300 B.C.E. Legalist philosophers had a pessimistic view on human nature. They believed that people were naturally stupid and short-sighted. In order for people to achieve success, they needed the government to do so. In a legalist society, only the state and its rulers could act in their long-term interests. In this idea, farmers and soldiers were glorified because their classes were the only ones who had essential functions in society. Merchants, artisans, scholars, and other classes were seen as useless. Due to their citizen's "natural stupidity", legalist leaders promoted the idea of excessive punishment for crimes and high rewards for good deeds. For example, if one were to steal, they would loose their hand. Although these actions may seem impetuous, the philosophers believed it would maintain order. Due to the excessive punishments and quick downfall of the Qin Dynasty, legalism was not a well-liked philosophy and was never advocated by a ruler or philosopher openly. Since legalism had failed, China soon turned to the teachings of Confucius.
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Confucianism
Confucius was the founder of Confucianism. Originating in 500 B.C.E., Confucianism was based on the idea of leaders setting an example to their citizens. This religious, yet governmental practice, was based off superior relationships. Husbands were superior to wives, rulers superior to subject, etc. If the superior was sincere, the inferior would to be motivated to respond with deference and obedience Because Confucius believed in the human's ability to improve, most of his teachings emphasized education for moral betterment. Unlike legalism, Confucius believed that liberal arts applied to practical problems of government. Educational tests were eventually used to determine official positions, eventually causing male elite practiced through the twentieth century. Confucius worked to promote the moral and social issues in life. In order to do so, government officials were seen as superior individuals (junzi).
REN: courteous, respectful, loyal & diligent LI: respecting superiors XIAO: filial piety |
Works Cited
Mr. Compton
"Confucianism." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Aug. 2012. Web. 08 Nov. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism>.
"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2012. <http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1>.
Strayer, Robert W. "The Classical Era in World History." Ways of the World: A Global History. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 158-63. Print.
Strayer, Robert W. "The Classical Era in World History." Ways of the World: A Global History. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 192-95. Print.
"Confucianism." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Aug. 2012. Web. 08 Nov. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism>.
"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2012. <http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1>.
Strayer, Robert W. "The Classical Era in World History." Ways of the World: A Global History. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 158-63. Print.
Strayer, Robert W. "The Classical Era in World History." Ways of the World: A Global History. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 192-95. Print.
