Legalism was created by Han Feizi and was a philosophical idea Legalism is from China and was one of the main philosophical currents during the warring state period and was a utilitarian political philosophy that did not address higher questions like the nature and purpose of life. Many federal rulers chose legalism as the most effective way to keep order. The laws were so cruel that later generations despised legalism. The schools believed that a ruler should use the three tools to govern his subjects: (fa- law or principle) (shu methods tactics or art) (shi- legitimacy, power or charisma).
Qin Shi Huangdi was a evil emperor and was threatened by people that were smarter than him so he had them all buried alive because he followed legalism.He was threatened because he knew if they got smarter they would find a way to overrule him and take over. Some administrators have adopted the philosophy of legalism without publicly promote it. Even after Qin Shi died and his empire has fallen there were still ministers that followed legalism during the Han dynasty.
While legalism declined however it merged with other philosophies. Mao Zedong continued to follow legalism during his lifetime
Sources
Ellis,Elisabeth Gaynor Esler Anthony world history upper Saddle River, New Jersey; Pearson Education Inc. Print
"History - Humanistic Spirit." Legalism. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept . 2014.
"Exploring Chinese History :: Culture :: Philosophy: Legalism." Exploring Chinese History :: Culture :: Philosophy: Legalism. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2014.
"How Qin Shi Huang Became China's First Emperor." About. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2014.
Qin Shi Huangdi was a evil emperor and was threatened by people that were smarter than him so he had them all buried alive because he followed legalism.He was threatened because he knew if they got smarter they would find a way to overrule him and take over. Some administrators have adopted the philosophy of legalism without publicly promote it. Even after Qin Shi died and his empire has fallen there were still ministers that followed legalism during the Han dynasty.
While legalism declined however it merged with other philosophies. Mao Zedong continued to follow legalism during his lifetime
Sources
Ellis,Elisabeth Gaynor Esler Anthony world history upper Saddle River, New Jersey; Pearson Education Inc. Print
"History - Humanistic Spirit." Legalism. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept . 2014.
"Exploring Chinese History :: Culture :: Philosophy: Legalism." Exploring Chinese History :: Culture :: Philosophy: Legalism. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2014.
"How Qin Shi Huang Became China's First Emperor." About. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2014.