Lecture15 Legalism Oct 27 Chinese Philosophy Lectures杜兰大学中国哲学课堂教学PPT.ppt

PHIL 209A School of Legalism Schedule Social Background of the Legalists Life of Han Fei Tzu Influences from others Legalist Philosophy of History Way of Government Influences to others Social Background of the Legalists (Fung 155-157) “Legal” or “Law” in Legalism here is about power, politics, how to make officers obey the king, etc. (Totally different from now) In the early Chou Dynasty, it seems that Li formed the written code of honor governing the conduct of the Nobles, or Gentlemen; and hsing (刑, punishment, penalties) for common men, or small men. Legalism Later Chou Dynasty, society is changing How to deal with the changes is a common problem to all schools. Most proposed solutions, however, were not realistic enough to be practical. Rulers need realistic methods to control everything. “Men of Method” Organization and Leadership Han Fei Tzu Probably the last great philosopher in Warring State Period Noble (or descendant) in Han; A student of Hsun Tzu 荀子, A classmate of Li Ssu 李斯 (Prime Minister of Ch’in/Qin Dynasty). Pity life Ch’in united China in 221B.C. Cumulative. Not a founder Map Confucianism Especially from Husn Tzu Nature is evil Also Rectification of Names But not his philosophy of culture, Li, Confucius virtues, etc. Taoism Wu-Wei, do nothing But not the action of Tao, not the absolute happiness, etc. Mohism Absolutism, Totalitarianism Benefit to the king, not to everyone Not Universal Love (Will talk about the comparison further after we learn the theory of legalism further) Three groups of Legalism Shen Tao 慎到 Around the Time of Mencius Some considers him as a Taoist (but probably not really a Taoist) Shih 勢: Power and Authority (of the King/Officer/Leader) Three groups of Legalism Shen Pu-Hai 申不害 (died 337 BC) Shu 術: method or art of conducting affairs and handling men Three groups of Legalism Shang Yang 商鞅: (Died 338BC) Famous politician in the state of Ch’in/Qin Introduce a lot of laws, regulations or punishments. Died by the