Which philosophy provides a better framework for the government, Confucianism or Legalism?
Confucianism provides a greater framework for the Chinese government than Legalism in terms of social, philosophical and governmental reasons. Firstly, Confucianism strongly concerns the formation of a mellifluous human society, whereas thoughts in Legalism, nebulously considers it. In Legalism, the utmost suspicion is instigated amongst the society, since there is a law that motivates the population to spy on fellow citizens. This skepticism can debilitate efficient governmental processes, as it can segregate the society into different factions. On the other hand, Confucianism focuses on the concord and the humaneness of the human society. As a result, it will allow people to unite and produce a stronger society. Secondly, Confucianism has a
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However, this concept only teaches the people to avoid punishment. On the contrary, Confucianism believes that for a person to be ethical, he has to learn self-cultivation by means of study and practice of auspicious behavior. Ethics were taught beforehand so no one is bound to commit it, allowing the people to profoundly discriminate moral and immoral behavior. Lastly, Confucianism has a more equitable government system than Legalism. People live to serve the government and will only do so if such behavior will satisfy their self-interest, according to Legalism. Nevertheless, the ruler can manipulate the population using the wealth of the state by rewarding those who benefit it and punishing those who weaken it. Additionally, laws that are fully established should be followed without any surpluses or inconsistencies. Conversely, the government in the Confucian philosophy was thought to be monarchial, and had obligations to command under the “Mandate of Heaven”, that is, the justifier of the privilege to rule. If the leader didn’t provide the
Even a very strict, powerful government like a legalist government, cannot be maintained unless the ruler is not clouded up in fun or punishments. That’s why Confucianism was ideal over legalism. Overall, Confucianism was based off of humanity, which created peace by allowing people to do their
Confucianism also talked about respect and how everyone should regard each other. We know that because of the article “The Chinese Philosophies “. This article talks about how Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, used Confucianism to restore order with respect and kindness for others. But, some people still believe that Legalism or Daoism is the correct
They want to emphasize individual virtuous behavior, both by the ruler and the ruled as well as highly recommending obedience and respect, “people should know their place, even under bad rulers.” Even the Han emperors decided to implement Confucius ideas after looking at their doctrine called The Analects. The book shows Confucian political value and social order which states that the aristocrats and the educated are of the highest degree, and then comes farmers, and finally, the merchants. Although both Confucianism and Legalism call for governmental hierarchy, Confucianism possessed an optimistic view of human potential while Legalists believe that a powerful government is necessary along with a carefully devised law rewarding for good deeds and punishing for bad
Confucianism is based upon the teaching of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. This idea focuses on bettering people and the society, educating people to be
The idea of ruling a powerful government based on the principle of using two conflicting ideologies at the same time appeared foreign to most dynasties of early China. In early Chinese times, after the Period of the Warring States, two ideologies emerged: Legalism and Confucianism. Legalism stressed a strong central government that expressed harsh laws while Confucianism had a decentralized government, placing trust in conscientious and learned individuals to work together to solve political issues. These two schools of thought were in stark contrast to each other and, up until the Han dynasty, had never been combined with each other through government policy. The Qin dynasty, for example implemented a strict Legalist government while the
If each individual fulfilled their duties then the society will prosper.The ideal ruler would live by being a good, moral person. Confucius said, “If a ruler sets himself right, he will be followed without his command. If he does not set himself right even his commands will not be obeyed.” {Document 2}
The Taoist philosophy is based on the teachings of Laozi and seems to have a more religious flow to it. Where as Confucian writings focus on the government and social order. Confucius believed that if a person behaved properly, then their family would follow suit, then their neighborhood, their city, and in time the whole country. The basis for a good system of government was the ideal Confucius family. Confucius talked about the 5 relations. They are emperor/subject, parent/child, husband/wife, older sibling/young sibling, friend/friend; all of which (with the exception of friend/friend) were based on the parent/child relationship. A large part of Confucianism is filial piety. The Superior Man, according to Confucian beliefs, is not only virtuous because of his actions but because of his attitude as well. This is why the Confucian belief that should the government behave in such a way the whole country will see this good and follow it.
According to Confucianism a ruler should set a good example for his subjects because people follow the leader. If the leader is corrupt and acts as if he is above the law then people will copy him and act as he does. If the ruler follows the rules then so will the people. Legalists believe that people are inherently evil and a good military is needed to keep the people in check and to keep the enemies away. If the people revolt or if the nation gets attacked, a good military is necessary to fight back.
Even though the two systems had different concepts about the way, the common denominator of both schools was to achieve total harmony in society. Confucianism focuses mainly on social order while Daoism puts it's central; focus on being one with the nature.
Firstly, Confucianism prized the rule of men over the rule of law; that is to promote harmony in the people over the interest of a ruler. If a ruler has appropriate personal conduct the government will be effective without needing to issue order. However, the ruler do not have the correct conducts, his orders will not be obeyed.
When looking at the ideas of Confucianism, one must look at the values that he expresses that are essential to human beings in order to become gentleman. Some of these values are present in every society and in every country. Ideas like jen and the Golden Rule are indispensable to life in almost every society on the globe.
In ancient China, many different rulers tried to unify and rule the country using a variety of methods – Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism to name a few. Each philosophy had its own set of rules of how people should act both in public and privately. The overall goal of each philosophy was to set a standard of acceptable living that would ensure harmony and success for the society. However, each was different and thus had different results. The best way for the people of China to succeed in a harmonious, respectable society occurred when both Confucianism and Legalism were combined.
Social differences have changed incredibly in the last decades. The world has known an evolution that no one could have predicted. Aspects such as racism, social class and individual perception have differed drastically and now represent a modern open-minded world. The multiculturism boost our country and our world has known has brought a new wave of cultural, racial and social differences. The world has changed for the better and communities as well as individuals are now more open to differences in others. In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, the subject of social differences is the main theme for the book. The book adresses directly the major problem of racism per example and deals with it in it's special way. Set in the 1930's, To
Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism were the three main philosophies in ancient China for a form of government. I state that Daoism is the most effective form of government because it is based around balance: balance in nature and opposites of the universe. Daoism has the highest number of followers at around 20 million people among the three philosophies. Daoism is concerned with helping people live in harmony with their self.
Confucianism has easily been influential in the development of the Chinese state through history. In fact, the core ideals of Confucianism have evolved. Despite the harsh repression of Confucianism by Marxist revolutionaries during the second half of the twentieth century, Confucian values continues to be influential in Chinese society and recently, Confucian political philosophy has resurfaced again. In addition, the political ideas and social ethics of Confucianism can provide the basis for a new, functional form of government in China. Confucianism can be a viable political philosophy for China in the twenty first century because many intellectuals have turned to Confucianism to make sense of such social