Legalism in China and Beyond

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the traditional Chinese philosophy of Legalism and how Legalist thought and governmental practices have had extraordinary influence on China and other East Asian states throughout the ages. It explores the shapers of Legalist thought, including Shang Yang, Han Fei Tzu, Li Si and Qin Shihuangdi, and its initial appearance in China under the Qin. It also examines post-Qin, Legalist-influenced governments like the Northern Wei and the Tang Dynasty. Finally, it points out Legalist influences on Japan and Vietnam.

From the Paper:

"Legalism, although it had a clearly established world-view and set of ideals, was not a conventional philosophy with either a traditional school of instruction or a single founder credited with its inception; the four people responsible for forming, developing, and implementing Legalism were Shang Yang, Han Fei Tzu, Li Si, and Qin Shihuangdi. First, Shang Yang (died 338 B.C.), also known as Lord Shang, was the prime minister of the Qin Kingdom during the Warring States period prior to the first unification of China (Schirokauer 48). Largely responsible for the initial wide-ranging application of Legalism in the Kingdom of Qin, Shang Yang oversaw rapid economic recovery and growth and unmatched military success in what had been one of the weakest kingdoms of the Warring States period."

More papers on Legalism in China and Beyond:

• Analytical Essay # 31449 : "Women in China and America"
• Research Paper # 115255 : "Cross-Border Marriages"
• Term Paper # 150195 : "Operations Management: Balancing Ethics with the Bottom Line"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: