Fundamental Principles Legalism

History 8 China Review 100 Schools of Thought

Legalism is a philosophy that emphasizes order over everything. The basis of the idea is that people are no good and you have to keep them in line. In legalism, law is the supreme authority because you have to have rules. The three main branches of Legalism are Fa, Shi, and Shu. Fa is the law that is written in public and everyone knows. You will be punished or rewarded for the things that you do. Shi which states that power, not the person filling it. Shu which states that morality and human nature are irrelevant in huma nature. "In the view of the Legalists, attempts to improve the human situation by noble example, education, and ethical precepts were useless. Instead, the people needed a strong government and a carefully devised code of law, along with a policing force that would stringently and impartially enforce these rules and punish harshly even the most minor infractions."

History Beniretto Class notes taken on April 25, 2013 [1] Jasmine Williams