Confusianism vs Legalism

Qin Dynasty

adopted Legalism

Han Dynasty

adopted confusianism

What were official philosophies used for?

* guiding an Empires’ political action
* training future Bureaucrats

Who created Confusianism

Chinese philosopher Confucius

* one of most known ancient Chinese philosophers
* kept his beliefs in collection called analects

Confucianism goals

* focuses on ethics and morality
* create a society of peace and justice
* rulers should treat subjects with kindness
* higher-ranking people should take care of lower
* low-ranking people should respect and obey higher

principles on Confusianism

Ren, Li, and Xiao

Ren

humanness

Li

courtesy

Xiao

respect to family and ancestors

Who created Legalism?

Han Fei

What did Han Fei believe about humans?

that they are evil and need to be controlled

Legalism

* very strict laws and harsh punishments
* not concerned about ethics
* forces all citizens to obey
* created punishment and reward system
* small crimes punished with super harsh punishments

Legalism and Confucianism

* total opposites
* have different goals

Han dynastu and Qin dynasty

* both outstanding achievements and strong government
* differed in the way they viewed and treated citizens