Confucionism vs Legalism Essay

Amidst the chaos of political instability and constant warfare during Chinas Period of Warring States, two new philosophies emerged. Legalism and Confucianism were two of the philosophies intellectual thinkers certain to try and stop the mayhem of China before it could be conquered by a greater nation. Confucianism became the paramount school of thinking and later signi tip philosophies such as and Legalism forgathered immense recognition as well. Each party had their own proposals for creating an idealistic political society where the many problems they faced in their everyday lives could be eliminated. Both approaches were very distinct, but at the like time they contained certain similarities as well.Confucianism disfavored a caustic government. Confucius urged to lead the concourse with virtue and rituals as opposed to government policies and punishments. He believed that the prescript should gain respect through his deeds rather than achieving it through his status and au thority. Confucianists dislike government that employed killing and wished for a non aggressive rule. They believed individuals should foster compassion, humbleness and moderation for a achievementful society, whereas Legalism believed the the great unwashed should be controlled by timidity and aggression. Legalists had a ruthless approach to crimes and even the smallest of unlawful acts resulted in harsh punishment.Legalism and Confucianism both provided structure and stability for the time they were used. Out of Legalism and Confucianism, Legalism was a success in the sense that it achieved what the other desperately strove for the unication of China. Even though it nevertheless lasted twelve years. Many of the Legalist ideas were quite thought provoking and praiseworthy they believed in equality for all and government according to merit. However, the system gained a funky reputation according to the ruthless rule of the FirstEmperor. Confucianism thus became the ofcial Phil osophy, gaining entire acceptance in China.The Confucian and Legalist governments had very different morals in which their people should be treated. In Confucian government a ruler had to lead by example and be an overall virtuous psyche for his subjects to obey him. Government existed for thebenet of the people, not the other way around. the great unwashed should love each other and treat everyone with respect. In Legalist government the people are there to serve the government. People are ruled by fear and violence. Citizen should not focus on being loving and caring. Instead, they should detective on everyone around them and report and law breaking.According to them, a laborious rule with a strict hand was necessary in swan to keep the citizens from growing lazy and disrespecting the authority. One central issue which arouse ancient Chinese thinkers was how to regulate human relations and how to govern a country. Under the Qin dynasty Legalism achieved what many other philo sophies wished- control and unication of China. Similarities united the two because they had a single goal, but different strategies to fulll it. After multiple rebellions against Legalist rule, Confucianism dominated the tilt and accomplished the structure and stability that was needed for a successful and evolving civilization. commit used http//www.international-relations.com/wbcm5-1/wbrule.htm